A dimensão regional dos recursos minerais no Afeganistão: atores-chave e o papel do país no Belt and Road Initiative (BRI)

Abstract

This dissertation analyzes the exploitation and governance of mineral resources in Afghanistan in light of contemporary geopolitical dynamics and the theories of Uneven and Combined Development and the Resource Curse. Although the country has vast reserves of strategic minerals, such as lithium, copper, iron, and rare earths, which are essential for the global energy transition, the research shows that this potential does not translate into sustainable development. On the contrary, mineral exploitation has reproduced historical patterns of dependence, institutional fragility, and socio-environmental inequality. Methodologically, the study adopts a qualitative approach based on documentary analysis of international agreements, reports from multilateral organizations, and data from institutions such as the USGS, World Bank, and EITI, complemented by semi-structured interviews with experts from the Afghan mineral sector. The triangulation between documentary and empirical sources highlights how the actions of external powers, especially China, Russia, and the United States, shape Afghanistan's subordinate insertion into global value chains. It is concluded that only institutional strengthening, combined with transparency, community inclusion, and economic diversification, can transform Afghanistan's mineral wealth into a vector for sustainable development and economic sovereignty.