Geopolitical dynamics in Central Asia: Interests and strategies of external actors in a time of global crisis

Abstract

The increasing engagement between external entities and Central Asian nations has emerged as a prominent subject of inquiry among scholars and experts, particularly in the wake of the conflict in Ukraine that began in 2022. It is well-established that various meeting formats exist for interactions between the leaders of Central Asian countries and those of other nations, notably the 5 + 1 format. Nevertheless, there remains a significant gap in the academic literature that thoroughly examines the interests and strategies of key external players in Central Asia, including Russia, China, the European Union, Turkey, and India. By analyzing the agreements reached among these states, the rhetoric of Central Asian leaders, and employing situational analysis, the author delineates the principal interests of both major and medium-sized powers within the region.