Central Asia is a region bordering China to the West, Russia to the north and finally Turkey to the South. Historically, this area has lacked strong political representation and has thus relied on powerful neighbors for all aspects of her development. This paper examines the changing dynamics in this area as a function of changing political and economic dynamics on the world stage. After the disbandment of the Soviet Union, the Central Asia Republics (CAR), which were formerly part of the union, were not a priority to Russia. However, the situation has rapidly transformed since this period. There have been concerted attempts by Russia to come up with new frameworks for integration, with an unwavering focus in Central Asia, especially under the Putin presidency.
By the beginning of the 21st century, Russia observed the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) as unreceptive to the proposal for post-Soviet incorporation, particularly Georgia and Russia, which were keener on seeking increased cooperation with the European Union (Perovic 82-107). Russia, under Putin, therefore shifted its attention to those states that would be more receptive to the integration idea owing to their reliance on and interdependence with Moscow. The states, which include Tajikstan, Kygyzstan and Kazakhstan, predominantly fall within the CAR bloc and are central to the formulation of Moscow's regional policy.
[...] Recently, the European Union has joined in the race to forming close economic and political ties with central Asia. For example, the increased demand for energy has led to evaluation of additional sources. Russia has traditionally dominated gas supply in Europe; however, the energy resources of Turkmenistan together with Azerbaijan are seen as an ideal way to break the Russian dominance. In addition, the countries in the European Union also target the energy resources of Iran (Hanks 57). However, Turkmenistan has not yet committed itself to a single power. [...]
[...] Shambaugh, David L., and Michael B. Yahuda. International relations of Asia. Lanham, Md.: Rowman & Littlefield Print. Woods, Lawrence T . "David Shambaugh, editor. Power Shift: China and Asia's New Dynamics.(Book review)." China Review International 22 Sept. 2007: 54. Print. [...]
[...] For example, the Chinese government provides these countries with cheap loans for internal development (Hanks 75). Though the interest of china is important, the United States plays an essential task in the financial interests of central Asian countries. For example, subsequent to the September 11 attacks on the world trade center, the American government embarked on a mission to trace the root of terrorism. AL Qaida, the group that claimed responsibility for the attack was traced to Afghanistan, a poor country that lies in central Asia. This led to an American invasion in the country. [...]
[...] However, the current domination of Russia in economic and Security Corporation is threatened by the EU, The US and China. Bibliography Bryza, Matt. "Invigorating the U.S.-Turkey Strategic Partnership." DISAM Journal 1 Dec. 2008: 213-240. Print. Hanks, Reuel R. Global Security Watch-Central Asia. Santa Barbara, Calif: Praeger Print. Perovic, Jeronim. "From Disengagement to Vigorous Economic Competition: Russia's Go back to the South Caucasus and Central Asia." Demokratizatsiya 1 Jan. 2005: 82-107. Print. [...]
[...] The role of security is sometimes shrouded in doubt. Why does a country need the protection of another country? After all, it is assumed that wars come to those who ask for them. However, support of a bigger power has always been an important part of all foreign relations strategies. Even in historical times, all empires had allegiances that helped them fight in times of war. However, one only requires looking at the unfolding case of North Korea to understand the relevance of having security arrangements. [...]
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