Comparing the Foreign Relations of Emirate I and Emirate II: Has Anything Changed?

Abstract

This article explores the similarities between Afghanistan’s Emirate II and Emirate I in terms of foreign relations. It argues that since 15 August 2021, when the Taliban took over the government in Afghanistan and established Emirate II, there have not been significant changes in their foreign relations behaviour in comparison to Emirate I, which ruled Afghanistan from 1996 to 2001. To prove this claim, the article first examines the objectives of foreign relations of both the regimes comparatively. Subsequently, the foreign behaviour of the two regimes concerning neighbours including Pakistan and Iran will be examined. Finally, the foreign relations of Emirates I and II towards great powers like the USA and Russia are explored in detail.