The Central Asian Countries Relations with Russia and China: The Impact of Sensitivities, Dependencies, Threat Perceptions and Regional Organizations

Abstract

In their relations with Russia and China, Central Asian countries have been influenced by their sensitivities regarding independence and their strong ties with the two states regarding security, economy and trade. Central Asian countries have shown they are unwilling to compromise their sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity while maintaining intensive relations with the two states. The regional organizations led by Russia and China are also inevitable partners of regional states. They took utmost care not to fall under hegemony within these organizations. Their main strategy has been to balance the organizations and the two states against each other and try to protect their interests and sovereignty by creating a network of relations among many actors. This article analyses relations of Central Asian countries with Russia and China in the post-Cold War era by focusing on the relevant factors and aims to shed light on regional and global policies and attitudes and policies of regional countries.