A Rock Between Hard Places

‘This book provides an array of insights and perspectives that challenge the concept of Afghanistan being considered either a core state or on the periphery. This work strives for, and achieves, a deeper understanding of the emerging and dynamic power rivalries and geo-political influences of the regional security complexes.‘ -- Journal of Asian Security and International Affairs
‘There are few more insightful analysts of Afghanistan’s region than Kristian Berg Harpviken and Shahrbanou Tadjbakhsh. Their new book challenges us to rethink our received understandings of how Afghanistan might relate to, and be affected by, its neighbours, and should be required reading for all scholars, diplomats and international officials interested in the stability of Southwest Asia.’ -- William Maley, Professor of Diplomacy in the Asia-Pacific College of Diplomacy at the Australian National University; author of Reconstructing Afghanistan: Civil-Military Experiences in Comparative Perspective
A very useful review of regional politics at a time when Afghanistan’s neighbours are more important to its fate than ever before.’ -- Antonio Giustozzi, author of The Army of Afghanistan: A Political History of a Fragile Institution