Biography
Nabi is currently a doctoral candidate in the War Studies Department at King’s College London. Nabi obtained a BA in Conflict Analysis and Resolution from George Mason University, United States. He then received a Rotary Foundation Peace Fellowship that funded his studies at the University of Queensland, Australia where he completed his MA in Peace and Conflict studies. After graduating from the UQ, Nabi received the Fulbright scholarship from the US/UK Fulbright Commissions which currently funds his PhD at the King’s College London.
Thesis Title
Examining the Anglo-Afghan Relations and Durand Line Historical Context 1809-2020
Abstract
When Pakistan was created in 1947, it inherited all the deep-rooted and complex territorial disputes Afghanistan had with its predecessor, Imperial British India. Afghans expected the leaders of the new state of Pakistan, as fellow Muslims, to consider the plight of those whose communities, clans and tribes were forcibly divided by the government of British India. Pakistan’s policy on the disputed territories, however, inherited from British India, remained unchanged despite the controversies surrounding the treaty. At present, the dispute over the Durand line is widely understood in Afghanistan and Pakistan as one of the leading causes of bilateral friction. This research examines the origin of Anglo-Afghan relations in the context of the 19th century Great Game in Asia, and the various treaties shaping both governments through the different phases of their history. The research provides a deeper understanding of the Durand line as well as its enduring implications for South Asian relations since 1947. The main purpose of the research, therefore, is to study the historical rationale for the creation of the Durand Line and to clarify its contentious political status.
Research Interests
South, Central, and Western Asian History, Anglo/Afghan Military and diplomatic history, Anglo-Afghan relations, Afghan-Iranian relations, Af/Pak relations, Afghan/Indian relations, Afghan/Russian relations.
Supervisors
Professor Michael Rainsborough and Professor David Martin Jones