Power struggle over Afghanistan natural resources

Afghanistan has always been a turning point and the centre of attention of global powers throughout history due to its strategic location and the presence of huge natural resources. Afghanistan has been one of the rare countries where three global hegemons (Britain, Russia and the United States) have had an influence. While the hegemony of the UK has a strategic and geopolitical dimension, the hegemony of Russia and the US has a strategic dimension, and it is claimed that one of the reasons for the occupation of Afghanistan by these two superpowers is its underground riches. The struggle of the great powers to seize and dominate the world's natural resources, especially rare earth resources, has continued extensively from the second half of the 20th century to the present day. Afghanistan has been one of the countries significantly affected by this power struggle. Therefore, in this study, by using the concept of "Great Power Politics", the scope, breadth and seriousness of the struggle between great powers and regional rising powers over Afghanistan's natural resources have been analysed. In this context, Afghanistan's rich underground resources, as well as most of the important contracts signed with foreign and domestic-foreign companies regarding Afghanistan's natural resources after 2001, were analysed by using data content analysis method and qualitative research. Key Words: Afghanistan, Great Power Politics, Power Struggle, Natural Resources, Hegemony