The Conflicting Consequences of Afghanistan's Membership in SAARC (2007–2021): A Critical Analysis of Opportunities and Challenges

This study examines the conflicting consequences of Afghanistan's membership in SAARC. The main research question is what opportunities Afghanistan's membership in SAARC has provided for the country's political, economic, and cultural development during the years 2007-2021 and what challenges it has created. The theoretical framework of the study is based on the theory of liberal institutionalism, and the research method is descriptive-analytical, relying on documentary data and structural analysis of regional relations. The findings show that Afghanistan's membership in SAARC has, on the one hand, promoted regional legitimacy, expanded multilateral diplomacy, and increased cultural and educational cooperation. On the other hand, geopolitical competition between India and Pakistan, the development gap between members, and the weakness of Afghanistan's internal economic structure have prevented the realization of sustainable development. In the economic sphere, convergence has been formed asymmetrically, and Afghanistan has become a regional consumer market rather than benefiting from export benefits. On the other hand, cultural and educational cooperation is considered one of the most sustainable achievements of membership. The study concludes that Afghanistan’s membership in SAARC has a dual and conflicting nature and that the realization of its interests depends on domestic capacity, political stability, and intelligent management of regional relations.