U.S. Main Policies in Central Asia

Abstract

The article analyses the U.S. policy in Central Asia with the focus on the policy of the Trump administration. It highlights its main areas of interests and features, examines the U.S. bilateral relations with Central Asian countries. The American interest in the region was manifested immediately after the collapse of the USSR and was linked to its geostrategic position and energy resources. Initially, the efforts of the White House were focused on the elimination of Soviet weapons and the promotion of business contacts. The role of Central Asia in the U.S. foreign policy increased when the military operation in Afghanistan was launched. With the achievement of agreements on the use of military infrastructure in Central Asia states, the U.S. military presence in the region significantly expanded, and cooperation through defense agencies began to actively develop. Contacts in the economic area intensified, dozens of American companies rushed to Central Asian countries, and the volume of American investments increased significantly. In order to form pro-American societies and elites, the work to promote “democratic values” has been intensified. With the arrival of the Trump administration, the emphasis was shifted towards military cooperation. Military-technical cooperation, joint military maneuvers and educational programs, exchange of experience in the field of combating terrorism, illegal migration, human trafficking and drug trafficking have increased. Business contacts, trade, economic and energy cooperation have been intensified. Washington has somewhat reduced the degree of criticism of the Central Asian countries for “problems in the area of democratic governance”, nevertheless, the U.S. continues its attempts to democratize the region through NGOs sponsored by non-state funds close to the American Democratic Party. The Central Asian region will remain in the focus of the U.S. foreign policy for a long period of time, regardless of whether the Republican or Democratic administration is in power, taking into account its geostrategic position, natural resources, situation in Afghanistan, desire to weaken the positions of Russia and China in this area.