---
title: "Afghanistan: Landlocked South-Central Asian State"
description: "Afghanistan is a landlocked state governed by the Taliban since 2021, lacking universal recognition. Discover its geopolitical significance and history."
url: "https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/glossary/afghanistan"
---

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Model Diplomat Research Team · Last reviewed June 22, 2026

TL;DR

- Afghanistan is a landlocked South-Central Asian state, currently governed de facto by the Taliban (Islamic Emirate) since August 2021, lacking universal international recognition.
- What is the legal status of Taliban recognition as of 2026?
- What is the Durand Line and why is it disputed?
- What was the Doha Agreement of 2020?
- What are India's strategic interests in Afghanistan?

[Civil Service & Diplomatic Exams](https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/civil-services/glossary)Updated June 22, 2026

Afghanistan is a landlocked South-Central Asian state, currently governed de facto by the Taliban (Islamic Emirate) since August 2021, lacking universal international recognition.

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## Research Afghanistan like a delegate

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## Timeline

1. 15 August 2021

   The contemporary political character of Afghanistan is defined by the collapse of the Western-backed Islamic Republic and the Taliban capture of Kabul on , f…

2. 29 February 2020

   The contemporary political character of Afghanistan is defined by the collapse of the Western-backed Islamic Republic and the Taliban capture of Kabul on 15…

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Example

In August 2021, the Taliban seized Kabul as US forces withdrew under the 2020 Doha Agreement, yet by 2026 no state had granted the Islamic Emirate full de jure recognition.

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