International Studies Journal (ISJ)

International Studies Journal (ISJ)

Regional Stability of the Middle East in the Light of the Militarization of the Afghan Diaspora from 2011 to 2024

Document Type : Original Independent Original Article

Authors
Fariborz Arghavani Pirsalami 1
Nasim Saleh 2
1 Associate Prof. of International Relations at Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran.
2 MA Student of Regional Studies, Middle East and North Africa, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran.
10.22034/isj.2025.527419.2350
Abstract
The militarization of the Afghan diaspora in the Middle East is an emerging phenomenon that has profound effects on patterns of stability and instability in the region. Using a descriptive-explanatory method and within the conceptual framework of “military diaspora” and relying on a case study of the performance of this diaspora in target countries, this research answers the fundamental question of what impact has the militarization of the Afghan diaspora had on regional stability in the Middle East between 2011 and 2024? The findings indicate that the Afghan military diaspora, in a context of geopolitical change, has played a dual role as a non-state military actor: on the one hand, it has fueled the escalation of violence, political destabilization, and the strengthening of proxy axes, and on the other hand, in some cases, it has appeared as a deterrent against extremism and interventionism. However, the destabilizing effects of this phenomenon are more pronounced than its stabilizing effects on the Middle East region. In addition, the performance of the Afghan military diaspora depends on the context and strategic interests of the host country; therefore, managing this diaspora requires multi-level measures and constructive cooperation between governments and international institutions in the Middle East region.
Keywords
Middle East
Regional Stability
Afghan Diaspora
Afghan Military Diaspora
Subjects
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