This paper aims to explore the importance of relatively innovative concepts in international studies. Firstly, the concept of «regionalism» as an emerging feature of international politics –its formalized aspects as well as the delimitation of a «complex regional conflict», in this case in Central Asia. Secondly, and contrary to widespread academic opinion, the author believes that the situation in Afghanistan is largely unrelated to the Middle East, which is another «complex regional conflict», with both cases only linked by their importance to US foreign policy. The rationale of the Afghan conflict lies in its Asian identity, with its Muslim background, and all kinds of differences, including structural and historical, between Iraq and Afghanistan, which all reinforce this hypothesis. As a result the author's work is focussed on this area: the centrality of the situation in Afghanistan, the importance of its ties with Pakistan –although not as an exclusive factor–, regional dimensions –Central Asia, as outlined below–, and, naturally, the recurrent history of the situation.
Conflicts, Regionalism, Islam, Central Asia.