At the crossroads of multiple civilizations, Afghanistan has long been a point of connection and confrontation for world powers. Today, with a new Afghan state aiming to consolidate control, the country faces tremendous challenges as its deals with internal political instability, rising insurgency, geopolitical competition, and an increasingly fragile economy. Named as a U.S. major non-NATO ally in 2012, Afghanistan is at the nexus of West, Central, and South Asia. ASPI increases understanding of Afghanistan’s role in the region and supports its stabilization and development by hosting policy discussions and providing analysis and expert commentary.