COOPERATION OF CENTRAL ASIAN STATES WITH THE USA AND CHINA IN THE FIELD OF SECURITY

Abstract

Situated at a strategic juncture of great powers, Central Asia’s security landscape is quite peculiar. Analyzing recent dynamics, this article discusses security cooperation between the Central Asian states  and two major external stakeholders: the United States of America and China. While both major powers undertake various forms of security cooperation, their geostrategic interests and strategic priorities engender a different balancing act for the Central Asian states. The USA, in turn, has historically pursued a multifaceted vision toward the region, hoping to counter terrorism and bring stability to the region. But the latter was put in the question as a result of the Afghan withdrawal and the rise of Chinese influence. China uses the leverages present in economic features and increases military potentials to secure strategic interests in the region. For instance, its Belt and Road Initiative symbolize hopes for expanded infrastructural development and economic connectivity, with its security cooperation consisting of combined military exercises, counter-terrorism cooperation, and bulk arms supplies. For that reason, Central Asia entails the management of relations between the USA and China. Whereas it aims to win economically with Chinese investments, in security terms, it remains the leading one with the USA to mitigate regional challenges. It is a very delicate balancing act that both have to take into account. This paper fills in the existing gap on the drivers of security cooperation between Central Asian states on one hand, and the USA on the one side and China on the other hand: geopolitical factors, economic incentives, and security concerns. It further elaborates on how such changing dynamics might pose potential challenges and opportunities which would entail balanced engagement and regional dialogue in the region to make sure long-term stability