This article examines the strategic role of Afghanistan in the Russian imperial policy from the middle XIX to early XX century. The study aims to analyze how geographic, political, and cultural factors shaped Russia’s colonial objectives in the region. Using a historical-comparative methodology, archival documents, diplomatic correspondence, and secondary literature were analyzed. The findings reveal that Afghanistan served as a buffer zone against British India, a site for geopolitical influence, and a stage for projecting imperial power. Russia’s involvement was motivated by the Great Game dynamics, economic aspirations, and fear of British encroachment. The article concludes that Afghanistan’s geopolitical significance contributed to shaping Russia’s colonial strategies, laying the groundwork for later regional policies.

Afghanistan, Russian imperialism, Great Britain, The Great Game

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