Ethno-territorial problems of regional security in Central Asia

Abstract

The article deals with the ethno-territorial contradictions that arose between the new independent States of Central Asia after the collapse of the USSR. The complexity of border problems is associated with a number of historical, ethnic and physical-geographical factors. The mountainous terrain, ethnic “cross-hair”, when a significant part of the “titular” population of one country lived in a neighboring state, and the lack of universally recognized borders between the republics made it difficult to demarcate them. Uncertainty of boundaries, which is exacerbated by an acute shortage of water and land resources, contributes to tension and inter-ethnic conflicts. Including one of the problems are socio-economic reasons. Ethnic groups vary greatly in language, religion and way of life, according to socio-political status, and the presence of forces external to the conflicting parties interested in continuing the conflict. The most intense section is the Fergana Valley, which includes several enclaves, respectively, the interests of Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan collide here. The difficulty lies in the fact that these states, in addition to territorial claims to each other, have other problems in relations. Even in those areas where the borders were agreed, there were interethnic clashes, which caused even greater tension.