In the annals of international relations theory, – Realism, Marxism and Liberalism/Idealism are the dominant schools of thought. These theories have played a critical role in shaping the nuances of theorisation in the world of academia as well as in shaping the politics of diplomacy.
However, another school of thought that has made its presence felt in recent years is the idea of pragmatism. Pragmatism states that instead of being guided by ideological goals and preconceived notions about human behaviour, states should respond to situations as they come. Pragmatism demands that states be practical, they should recognise the reality on the ground and act accordingly for what’s best for them.
For pragmatists, politics is about getting the job done; only when the concerned individual can do their actions rightly should they be guided by idealistic principles and goals.
In this context, the decision of Russia to accord official legitimacy to the Taliban government is a great example of pragmatic politics.
Russia’s decision seems to be guided by a multitude of considerations:
For pragmatists, politics is about getting the job done; only when individuals concerned can perform rightly should they be guided by idealistic principles and goals
Sphere of Influence
During the Cold War period, the Soviet Union exerted a substantial influence on South Asian geopolitics. It was a formidable partner of India, had a presence in Afghanistan, and even had good relations with Pakistan, a part of the American camp.
However, the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan in 1979 contributed to the start of its declining influence. Its ignominious exit from the country in 1989, thanks to the armed movement waged by militias under the banner of the Mujahideen that received support from the West, was a pivotal moment for Russia’s South Asian geopolitics.
Even with the arrival of President Vladimir Putin, Russia hasn’t managed to exert the same influence as the USA and China in South Asia. Except for India, Russia’s influence in South Asia continues to be limited and is viewed by Russian experts mainly through the Indian lens.
To rectify the situation, Russia decided to step up its game – it has become the first country in the world to accord recognition to the Taliban government in Afghanistan.
Hard Calculations
Unlike the West, whose foreign policy decisions are often coloured by democratic ideals and principles, particularly human rights, Russia’s diplomatic practice is shorn of such items of ‘low politics’.
Russia’s recognition of the Taliban does not take into account the egregious human rights record of the Taliban, especially towards Afghan women. Russia couldn’t care less about the freedoms and democratic ideals of the Afghan people.
Russia aims to counter the increasing US influence in South Asian geopolitics. For Russia, countering US influence in every country in South Asia serves as the sine qua non of its South Asia policy
Its decisions are driven by strategic aims – Afghanistan is a mineral rich country, and improving relationship with the Taliban, which is the de facto ruling regime of Afghanistan, could allow the Russians to explore and utilise such minerals, especially the critical minerals found in the country, for sustaining their military-industrial complex, which has come under immense pressure thanks to its war with Ukraine.
Apart from that, Russia, despite being a strong ally of China with whom it has ‘no-holds-barred’ friendship, the country is well aware of China’s track record. While publicly the Russians are effusive in their praise of China, the Russians know very well that in politics, there are no permanent friends or foes, only permanent interests.
The Russians are also aware of China’s debt-trap diplomacy and the impact it has had on the countries that are members of the Belt & Road Initiative (BRI).
Hence, the Russians believe that it needs to expand its presence in South Asia and surreptitiously hedge against China.
But perhaps the biggest factor the Russians are taking into account is the burgeoning influence of the USA in South Asian geopolitics. For Russia, countering American influence in every country of South Asia serves as the sine qua non of its South Asia policy.
Russia’s recognition of the Taliban regime serves its national interest. Parallels can be drawn between the Russian decision and the US recognition of the Islamist Syrian regime of Ahmed Al Sharaa
National Interest
For every country, national interest is the buzzword of foreign policy. Russia’s recognition of the Taliban regime seeks to serve that national interest. Parallels can be drawn between the Russian decision with the Americas’ recognition of the new Islamist Syrian regime of Ahmed Al Sharaa, who ironically was a former member of the Hizb ut Tahrir, a former affiliate of Al Qaida in Syria. It is the same Al Qaida that carried out the 9/11 terror attacks on American soil.
Hence, the idea that national interest triumphs over all other considerations carries a strong kernel of truth.
Therefore, this Russian decision serves as a vital moment in the global politics of pragmatism, which shall influence other countries to make decisions that suit their respective needs.
–The writer is currently working as a Research Associate at Defence Research and Studies (dras.in) and is a columnist. The views expressed are personal and do not necessarily reflect the views of Raksha Anirveda
