Central Asian States Research Articles

Changes in the ethnic structure of the population of Central Asia countries in the post-Soviet period

Central Asia is the only macro-region of the post-Soviet space where population growth has been observed over the past three decades, accompanied by a significant restructuring of the ethnic structure. The purpose of the study is to identify the most significant factors that influenced the change in the national composition of the population of the countries of Central Asia that occurred in the post-Soviet era, or more precisely, in the period between 1989 and 2021. The study is based on statistical, graphical and cartographic methods. The analysis showed that the most important factor influencing the change in the ethnic structure of the population of Central Asia in the post-Soviet period was the high natural increase in the titular peoples of the countries of the macroregion, which led to a more than doubling of their numbers in their republics. The second important factor in the ethnic restructuring of the Central Asian states was the reduction in the size of the non-titular population of the republics as a result of their migration outflow and natural decline. The opposite dynamics of the titular and non-titular populations of the Central Asian republics in the post-Soviet period led to a sharp increase in the share of titular peoples in their populations. Currently, in all countries of Central Asia, the share of titular peoples exceeds 70 %, and Tajikistan can already be considered a mononational state.

ТРЕНДЫ ТОРГОВО-ЭКОНОМИЧЕСКОГО ВЗАИМОДЕЙСТВИЯ РОССИИ СО СТРАНАМИ ЦЕНТРАЛЬНОЙ АЗИИ

The paper analyzes the main trends in economic cooperation between Russia and the Central Asian states for the period 2021–2023 years in the context of Russian interests. The factors of economic interaction are analyzed taking into account the growing potential of the countries of the region. It is established that amid geopolitical tensions and large-scale anti-Russian sanctions of the West, the geo-economic importance of the Central Asian countries for the Russian Federation has increased significantly. The dynamics and structure of trade, investment and migration relations between Russia and the countries of the region are studied. The role of intermediated trade and relocation in enhancing economic cooperation is particularly noted. Joint projects in the transport and energy sectors are being considered. Industrial partnership stands out among the promising areas of cooperation, including through the joint formation of industrial zones.

The Impact of the Russian War on Its Ability to Project Power Geopolitically

In recent years, Russia has gradually lost influence in peripheral states that traditionally used to gravitate around Moscow. China’s significant investments in infrastructure development and trade with Central Asian states have isolated Russia, causing it to lose its importance and guiding role in the region. At the same time, Russia’s war of aggression in Ukraine has led to a complete breakdown in Russian-European relations and increased cohesion among Western nations. Although Russia has lost its role as the world’s second-largest power to China, Sino-Russian relations remain a vital issue in regional and international dynamics due to the conjunctural alliance designed to shake the leading role of the US in the global security architecture. The struggle between the West and Russia creates imbalances throughout the international system, and the current World Order seems more disrupted than ever in the last 30 years.

Impactul războiului rus asupra capacității sale de proiecție a puterii în plan geopolitic

In recent years, Russia has gradually lost influence in peripheral states that traditionally used to gravitate around Moscow. China’s significant investments in infrastructure development and trade with Central Asian states have isolated Russia, causing it to lose its importance and guiding role in the region. At the same time, Russia’s war of aggression in Ukraine has led to a complete breakdown in Russian-European relations and increased cohesion among Western nations. Although Russia has lost its role as the world’s second-largest power to China, Sino-Russian relations remain a vital issue in regional and international dynamics due to the conjunctural alliance designed to shake the leading role of the US in the global security architecture. The struggle between the West and Russia creates imbalances throughout the international system, and the current World Order seems more disrupted than ever in the last 30 years.

The Organization of Turkic States and Post-Colonialism in Central Asia: Possible Contributions, Prospects, and Limitations

This paper explores the Organization of Turkic States’ (OTS) support in aiding Central Asian republics to address their historical legacies, focusing on the period following Russian influence from the 18th century. Employing a postcolonial theoretical lens, it examines the post-independence phase of these republics, highlighting the OTS’s role in promoting regional cooperation, cultural revitalization, and social unity. The paper discusses the challenges faced by these nations in various sectors such as economics and linguistics, assessing the OTS’s capacity to support their development, given its resources and relative position amidst other significant regional entities. Additionally, it delves into broader regional developmental strategies and their implications for the OTS’s objectives. The paper underscores the importance of strategic autonomy for Central Asia in the context of evolving regional dynamics. It concludes by recognizing the OTS’s potential in contributing to the region’s progress, presenting a comprehensive view of the intricate regional landscape and the OTS’s part in fostering growth and development in Central Asia.

REGIONAL SECURITY: THE CURRENT SITUATION AND FUTURE TRENDS IN CENTRAL ASIA

In an interconnected world, the security of a nation is closely intertwined with the security of its neighboring regions. Regional security changes have the potential to significantly impact a nation's overall security. In the geopolitical and geo-economic scenario, the strategic position and possession of a state or region remains a challenging issue as evident from the evolving strategic scenario of 21st Century international politics. In this framework, the Central Asian region is considered to be of major strategic significance because of its geopolitical position. In addition, the region possesses some of the important energy resources, mainly oil and gas, and access to them is of strategic significance to all involved – regional as well as external players. This study aims to provide an overview of the current situation of Central Asian countries and their prospects in security. Geographically Central Asia, the central part of Asia, this region is directly bordered by influential players in international relations. Central Asia is bordered by the Caspian Sea in the west, China in the east, Afghanistan in the south, and Russia in the north. The region consists of former Soviet republics such as Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Turkmenistan.
 Central Asia has been an area of geopolitical interest due to its strategic location and abundant natural resources. To understand the current situation and future trends in regional security, it is essential to consider a few key factors. First of all, the Political Stability: Central Asia comprises Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. While these nations have made progress in political stability since gaining independence from the Soviet Union, challenges persist. Authoritarian governance, limited political pluralism, and ethnic tensions have occasionally affected stability in the region. Next, Terrorism and Extremism: Central Asia has faced the threat of terrorism and extremism, primarily from groups like the Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan (IMU), the Taliban, and now the Islamic State (IS). Also, it is Poverty, lack of economic opportunities, and political repression have contributed to the vulnerability of Central Asian populations to radicalization. The intricate balancing act of Central Asian states is examined through the concept of multi-vectors, a strategy used by these nations to diversify foreign alliances and resist domination by any single power.

«Маджму ат-таварих» как источник сведений об исторических деятелях улуса Чагатая и Моголистана

Introduction. The history of the Chagatai Ulus and Moghulistan remains an understudied area of medieval historiography, which is nonetheless essential enough and can yield a lot to researchers engaged in exploring the history of medieval Genghisid states. And it is Majmu al-Tawarikh by S. Akhsikendi which proves a most valuable source on the theme, since it contains a wealth of historical knowledge on Eastern peoples of the thirteenth to sixteenth centuries, including Kalmaks, Kyrgyzes, Moghuls, etc. Goals. The study examines Majmu al-Tawarikh for data relating to the Chagatai Ulus and Moghulistan, attempts a comparative analysis of the manuscript and other available sources on the investigated states, and seeks to determine the value of the text for Oriental historical science. Materials and methods. The work focuses on published sections of the well-known translations of Majmu al-Tawarikh and Zafarnama. In addition, the historical reliability of the identified data has been verified via the epic poem of Edige, Materials in the History of Kazakh Khanates, and History of Kazakhstan from Persian Sources. The key research principles include those of historicism and systemicity, while the key research methods are the comparative historical and ideographic ones. Results. The paper examines Majmu al-Tawarikh and analyzes data pertaining to the past of the Chagatai Ulus and Moghulistan, provides a historiographic review to explain the significance of the source. Despite some scholars tended to criticize Majmu al-Tawarikh for a variety of revealed inaccuracies and phantasmagorias, they did recognize its certain value. Majmu al-Tawarikh mentions names of a number of khans and emirs of the Chagatai Ulus and Moghulistan — with reported coincidences or differences in other sources. The work sets forth and substantiates a hypothesis that Zafarnama (‘Book of Victories’) by Sharaf ad-Din Ali Yazdi may have been a fifth source for the author of Majmu al-Tawarikh. Conclusions. Majmu al-Tawarikh contains essential information on the history of the Chagataid states, as well as on the history of neighboring territories and peoples. However, the study of the obtained information should be approached critically, and it is urgent to compare the latter to related messages included in other sources. The introduction of the data into scientific discourse shall significantly expand and supplement contemporary historical knowledge on medieval Central Asian states.

China’s Foreign Policy toward the Central Asian Republics through the BRI

Central Asia, located in Eurasia’s hinterland, is one of China’s primary foreign policy destinations. The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) has emerged as the most important means of furthering relations between China and the five Central Asian republics. A new phase in China’s foreign policy towards Central Asia was marked by the launch of the BRI, which sparked a new round of cooperation between China and the Central Asian republics. Since the implementation of the BRI in 2013 China’s foreign policy has prioritized Central Asia as part of the initiative. China’s economic interests and influence in the Central Asian republics have increased as a result of the initiative’s implementation. In the era of the multipolar world order in which China as one of the major powers is playing a central role, Beijing’s international policy includes its bilateral and multilateral relations with the Central Asian states. This paper aims to discuss how the Chinese BRI has reconfigured China’s exchange relations and influences on Central Asian countries, as well as how the BRI has worked in each country in the region.

K-POP AS A MAIN TOOL OF KOREAN ‘SOFT POWER’ TOWARDS CENTRAL ASIA

The Republic of Korea plays one of the leading roles in the global economy and is a dynamically developing country. As one of the key elements of South Korea's success, many researchers in their works note the so-called concept of "soft power". The strategy of the contemporary notion of "soft power" of the Republic of Korea is based on the dissemination of traditional cultural values and pop culture. South Korea places a great emphasis on the "soft power" of culture, which helped it shape a positive image and create its South Korean attractive brand on the world stage. The main focus of this paper is to examine the essence of the Korean popular culture and its implementation in Central Asian states. Toward this objective, this research first explores the emergence and diffusion of Korean popular culture, especially with regards to globalization, soft power and value change. Further, its impact on CA will be considered in different perspectives. The research concludes that the implementation of Korean popular culture works as an efficient ‘soft power’ policy instrument for South Korea's cultural diplomacy.

U.S. policy in Central Asia in the context of confrontation with Russia and China

Central Asia, unlike the Asia-Pacific region, is not the main arena for the Sino-American confrontation. However, the geographical determinant - the region is surrounded by China, Russia, Iran and Afghanistan - predetermined the local nature of Washington's policy aimed at realizing American interests in the neighboring states of Central Asia. This paper examines the US policy in Central Asia at the present stage in the economic, humanitarian and security dimensions.

Otnosheniya gosudarstva Sefevidov s gosudarstvami Central'noj Azii v XVI–XVII vv.

This article examines the history of the relations between the Azerbaijani Safavid state and the states that existed in Central Asia (the Sheybanid state, the Bukhara and Khiva khanates). The article also reflects the fierce struggle of these states for the vast region of Khorasan, which was of great strategic importance. The author of the article paid special attention to the internal political state of the Safavid state in this period, the struggle of the Central Asian states for the territory of Khorasan, the relationships between these states, and internal political strife for the seizure of central power.

WATER AND ENERGY COMPLEX OF CENTRAL ASIA: PROBLEMS AND SOLUTIONS FOR FURTHER EFFECTIVE DEVELOPMENT

. In this scientific publication, issues of the state of modern and promising investment attraction in the states of Central Asia are considered. The starting point of the analysis is the recognition by the Central Asian states that the modernization of the electricity supply system depends on the active participation of private, especially foreign investors in the activities of these markets. Private capital and technology, know-how and efficient use are needed to finance the investments necessary to improve the operating efficiency of the system and ensure a safe and sustainable energy supply.

Основные направления взаимодействия НАТО с государствами Центральной Азии в XXI веке

The article examines NATO’s interaction with Central Asian states in bilateral and multilateral formats over the past 20 years. Special attention is paid to the analysis of the Afghan factor in the relations of the parties. The author concludes that for several decades NATO has purposely tried to strengthen its geopolitical position in Central Asia in order to reduce Russia’s influence on regional security processes.

Central Asia: Historical and Cultural Heritage in the structure of interethnic relations of the late XX – early XXI century

The article examines the history of the development of strategies and practices for the preservation of cultural and intangible cultural heritage in the countries of post-Soviet Central Asia. It is shown that they developed dynamically, in general, in accordance with global trends; they were correlated with UNESCO documents and fixed at the level of national legal systems, state cultural policy, in academic and socio-political discourses. The concepts of cultural heritage were the basis of the national sovereignty of the countries of Central Asia – the lists of internationally recognized objects of cultural heritage and masterpieces of intangible cultural heritage acquired a significant character. At the same time, in the course of a broad humanitarian dialogue, interethnic strategies for the study, preservation and popularization of cultural heritage were being formed. Their ideology was determined by the civilizational approach and the principles of "practical Eurasianism". When approving national priorities, the Central Asian states focused on multi-vector, multipolar cooperation, including relations in culture, politics, and economy. Historical and cultural heritage was a factor of their integration into the world cultural community and into the space of the Turkic world. With the creation of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), the processes of cultural dialogue in the post-Soviet space have reached a new level. The formation of variable integration models has determined one of the main trends in the development of Central Asian countries.

Orta Asya Devletleri’nin Küresel Güçlere Siyasal Yakınlığının Analizi: Kırgızistan, Tacikistan ve Türkmenistan Örneği

The Central Asian states, which remained under the Soviet regime for a long time, started to arouse curiosity in world politics about global and regional policy preferences after they gained their independence, and this situation led to an increase in the importance of Central Asia in global power competition. In this study, which is theorized around the concept of Small State, it is aimed to reveal the degree of political affinity towards the three global powers, China, Russia, and the USA, by analyzing the United Nations (UN) General Assembly voting data of the Central Asian States, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan between 1992-2021. The reason why the study is limited to three states from the Central Asian States is that only these states are suitable for the
 definition of small states. According to the quantitative analysis results obtained based on the UN voting data; the three Central Asian States are closer to Russia and China than the USA from their establishment to the present in terms of political affinity; the political affinity with the USA has become increasingly different especially after the years 1995-96; and, it is understood that the political affinity with China has increased especially after the 2000s.

USA INVASION IN AFGHANISTAN AND ITS IMPACT ON CENTRAL ASIA

This study Examines the effects of the warfare in Afghanistan, which has resulted in immense casualties, change of political power. The political aspects of American presence in Afghanistan and its effects on the Central Asian region are the main subjects of our research. The goal of the study is to comprehend the complex relationship that emerged after 9/11 attacks and the American invasion. We use qualitative and descriptive-analytical techniques to evaluate the effects of American presence on the Central Asian nations. Our analysis focuses on assessing the effects on the economy, security, and sovereignty of the region. Afghanistan's crucial role in determining the geopolitical dynamics of the area has an impact on Central Asia, which has historically served as a crossroads for world powers. Our finding address important issues pertaining to the strategic goals of the United States in Central Asia. We shed light on how they affect regional sovereignty, economy, and security. The dynamics of Afghanistan have continued to influence interactions and conflicts in Central Asia, magnifying the engagement of international and regional forces as well as the activity of fundamentalist groups. The stability of Central Asian nations is being put under further stress by the growth of extremism. In conclusion, our research reveals the complex interactions between American participation in Afghanistan and the stability and growth of Central Asia. We provide a comprehensive analysis of how the U.S. presence has impacted Central Asian dynamics, illuminating its wider security implications for the region and the world.

THE IMPORTANCE OF INTERNATIONAL LEGAL COOPERATION OF CENTRAL ASIAN STATES IN THE FIELD OF ECOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION IN THE ARAL SEA REGION

In the article, the author analyzes the importance of international legal cooperation of Central Asian states in the field of ecology and environmental protection in the Aral Sea region, and considers the issue of using the term Central Asia in research. The author believes that this terminology has deep traditions and its use simplifies the process of scientific study of the region. There is an argument that that international legal cooperation in this region in the field of ecology and environmental protection will have a positive impact on the process of maintaining and strengthening mutual trust and stability in this continent of the earth’s planet.

Middle Power Foreign Policy Behavior in Peripheral Regions: The Cases of Türkiye and South Korea in Central Asia

This study examines the foreign policy behavior of Türkiye and South Korea in Central Asia comparatively in the post-Cold War era. The article argues that both Ankara and Seoul accomplished to expand and institutionalize their interaction with the Central Asian states through the establishment of multilateral diplomatic platforms, allocation of development assistance and utilization of soft power instruments. While Türkiye’s political bonds with the Central Asian states are more entrenched and institutionalized compared to the South Korea’s political association with Central Asia, South Korea surpasses Türkiye in terms of economic performance in the region. The socio-cultural sphere is a domain in which Russia still prevails despite the increasing Turkish and South Korean efforts in education and entertainment realms. Furthermore, while both Türkiye and South Korea resorted to middle power means of convening international meetings and extending aid in Central Asia, they were unable to assume conciliator/mediator roles in regional conflicts.

The Problem of Water Scarcity in Central Asia: the Factor of Afghanistan

The article deals with the problem of water scarcity in the countries of Central Asia. Despite their efforts, the lack of water availability continues to persist. This increases tension in the inter-state relations in the region, as in recent years the countries increasingly face a shortage of water. Recently, Afghanistan has begun to influence the distribution of water resources in the region. Its actions are aimed at increasing abstraction of water resources from transboundary rivers of Central Asia. At the same time, Afghanistan has a right to act in this way. However, given the increasing shortage of water resources, Afghanistan’s policy may lead to new conflicts and exacerbation of relations with the Central Asian states.

On the Eve of the “Great Game”: Specifics of the Russian Empire’s Policy in Central Asia in the 18th to the First Half of the 19th Centuries

The article offers an analysis of the issues related to the policy of the Russian Empire in Central Asia during the 18th to the first half of the 19th centuries. Despite the seemingly thorough examination of this aspect of Russian foreign policy, there are still issues that want further investigation, clarification, or are subject to debate, particularly with regards to the period leading up to the mid-19th century. The article delves into the causes, chronological parameters, and participants of the Great Game, the methods employed by the parties to the conflict, the reasons for Russia’s relatively slow incursion into this region, as well as the attitude of the rulers of Central Asian states and the local populace towards the Russians and the British.
 The authors conclude that initially, England’s main competitor in Central Asia was not Russia but France; the inception of the geopolitical conflict between Russia and UK should be dated back to 1800–1801, with its most active phase beginning in the 1830s. It’s also highlighted that the strategies employed by Britain and Russia bore similarities, combining both overt and covert diplomacy with the use of military force.
 This article is aimed at educators and students interested in international relations in the Asian region from the 18th to the first half of the 19th centuries.