03/02/2023
Geopolitical movements in Central Asia (reissue).- Federico Aznar Fernández-Montesinos
The meeting between President Xi, on a tour of Central Asia, and President Putin in Samarkand (Uzbekistan) in the context of a summit organized by the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) scheduled for September 14 and 15, highlights to the region in the context of the strategic alliance signed by both countries on February 4.
Central Asia is a complex and little-known space that calls for reflection and analysis. The war in Ukraine has upset the balance between China and Russia in this part of the post-Soviet space, a region made up of weak and interdependent states. Russia has been gradually losing economic and political presence in a region that is relevant from a geopolitical and resource perspective; commitments stemming from the war may have accelerated this trend. Added to this is the geopolitical vacuum in the region created by the United States’ departure from Afghanistan.
Meanwhile, the Chinese presence grows in a new edition of its peaceful rise on a local scale in a pronounced way. The opportunity presented to the Asian giant is undeniable, however, its success would result in Russia’s strategic involvement and, furthermore, a relationship of dependency would be created.
Document prepared by Federico Aznar Fernández-Montesinos. IEEE Analyst.