The Great Game Redux? The Geopolitics of Afghanistan and Central Asia

Afghanistan lies at the crossroads of South Asia, Central Asia and the Middle East¿an area whose key geopolitical, strategic and economic significance dates back two millennia and has made Afghanistan repeatedly the object of the schemes and stratagems of the great powers as well as the graveyard of these empires. Once again, Afghanistan is a contestant in this ¿Great Game.¿ Against the backdrop of the scheduled 2014 withdrawal of American troops and the big question that dominates policy debates ¿What is the future of Afghanistan? Collapse, Compromise or Conflict?¿ this seminar explores the most important historical, domestic, international, geopolitical and economic dynamics, actors and interests that shape¿and have shaped¿the politics of Afghanistan and the neighboring ¿-stans.¿