Russia’s Perspectives toward Afghanistan

At a meeting hosted by the Russian & Eurasia Program at CSIS on February 4, 2010, Marlene Laruelle—a Senior Research Fellow with the Central Asia- Caucasus Institute & Silk Road Studies Program—presented her insights into Russia’s foreign policy stance on Afghanistan.  Laruelle’s comments addressed Russia’s involvement in Afghanistan as characterized by a certain ambivalence due to competing strategic interests.

 The meeting provoked parallel discourse on Russia’s ability to manage its affairs in Afghanistan and greater Central Asia, and the implications this has for U.S. foreign policy. Ultimately, Russia cannot be side-stepped in a regional approach to stabilize Afghanistan.

CSIS Experts

Andrew C. Kuchins

Senior Associate (Non-resident), Russia and Eurasia Program