Central Asian Republics relations with its neighbors and the US

Abstract

The Classical Great Game of the 19^th century in the region was a contest between the Russian and British empires over Afghanistan due to its geostrategic importance. The “New Great Game", being played out in Central Asia, is one in which powers on the borders of the Central Asian states, as well as the US, compete for influence in the region, but also one in which the Central Asian states themselves are active players. In order to explain the geostrategic importance of Central Asia, it is necessary to mention the interests of other countries in the region. The relationship with Russia, the successor state to the USSR, is of vital importance. During the Soviet era, the USSR held the CARs as a liability and gave them independence without much resistance. It soon regretted its decision after it realized that the CARs are important countries because other countries are trying to influence the CARs. Hence, Russia started actively pursuing its interests in the region. The most important interest is to maintain its traditional regional hegemony. This essay critically examines the above-mentioned fact in the context of Central Asian Republics’ relations with its neighbors and the US.