From Kabul to Kashmir: How Great Power Politics is Redefining Borders, Militancy, and Alliances in South Asia (2022–2025)

Abstract

The period from 2022 to 2025 marks a significant reordering of geopolitical dynamics across South Asia, particularly from Kabul to Kashmir a corridor emblematic of enduring conflict and shifting alliances. This study investigates how great power politics, driven by the strategic interests of the United States, China, India, Iran, and Pakistan, is redefining state boundaries, fueling militant networks, and reconfiguring regional coalitions. In the wake of the Taliban's consolidation in Afghanistan, border regions have become hotspots for insurgency spillover, proxy warfare, and diplomatic friction. China's strategic expansion through the Belt and Road Initiative, especially via CPEC, is reshaping the region's economic and security architecture, while India strengthens its territorial control and security posture in Kashmir. Iran’s evolving partnerships and Pakistan’s delicate balancing act amid internal vulnerabilities and external pressures further complicate the picture. This research offers a comprehensive analysis of how strategic rivalries and alignments are altering the traditional political order in South Asia, with implications for sovereignty, regional integration, and long-term peace. The findings aim to equip scholars and policymakers with insights into managing the consequences of these transformations on regional stability.

 Key words

Focus of Study, Geographic Scope, Key Powers Involved, Trigger Event, Militancy Shift, China’s Strategy, India’s Response, Pakistan’s Role, Iran’s Role, Study Aim.