While Washington increases its attention on conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine, the five states of Central Asia (Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan) remain in the periphery of American global interests. Yet such a policy toward this region is grossly inadequate, especially in the context of today’s superpower competition.
The strategic significance of Central Asia cannot be overstated. Geographically, the region shares borders with some of America’s main adversaries – Russia, China and Iran. And Central Asia contains massive reserves of important resources like natural gas. Yet despite some attempts at increased cooperation, American policy has rarely prioritized Central Asia, forcing the region’s leaders to look to Moscow and Beijing for their development and security.
In updating its Central Asia policy, America should focus on building stronger relationships with younger, reform-minded policymakers. Instead of attempting “democratization,” American leaders should prioritize practical development through favorable investment, incentives for respecting human rights, and engagement with international institutions. However, it is crucial that the United States avoids rigid defense ties that could create angst in Beijing and Moscow and spark a superpower confrontation.
Critics of Central Asian engagement conclude that the region is already too closely aligned with Russia and China, citing the involvement of Kazakhstan, Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan in Russia’s Collective Security Treaty Organization. Yet in other regions, countries like Vietnam and India are viewed as potential allies by Washington despite their strong defense ties with Russia. Like with those countries, America should not take for granted the possibility of change in Central Asia’s geopolitical orientation.
Regardless of what policies it chooses, it is clear that the United States needs to start caring about Central Asia. The region is too strategically important and, if forgotten by Washington, will provide a major boon to China and Russia as this new Cold War intensifies.
William Beterbide, Salt Lake City
