In a rapidly changing global landscape, the countries of Central Asia are garnering increasing attention as a geopolitical hotspot that can no longer be ignored. With its strategic location at the crossroads of Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, Central Asia holds immense potential to bridge the gap between the East and the West. In a recently published article titled "Can Central Asia be the link that will bring together the East and the West?", Professor Rossi, an expert in the field of international relations and political science, sheds light on the region's growing importance and explores its role in connecting two major spheres of influence. As global powers vie for influence and opportunities in this emerging region, understanding Central Asia's significance becomes vital to grasping the shifting dynamics of the modern world.
Dr. Rossi stated, "Central Asia is the new hotspot, the East is the new West. The emergence of China as a major economic power in an increasingly multi-polar world is one factor. The sanctions imposed on Russia due to the conflict in Ukraine is another, which forced the country [Russia] to reevaluate its non-European partner relations."
He emphasized Central Asia's position as a key player in the emerging multi-polar world, stating, "Central Asia simply benefits from being at the crossroads of these new regional powers. Suddenly, a series of erstwhile obscure countries that ended in 'Stan' becomes key partners in an emerging multi-polar world."
"We have to remember that Turkmenistan, still one of the most closed-off countries, not only in the region but in the world. is a major energy hub, and one that enjoys a strategic political, and economic partnership, not just with Russia, but also with China," Dr. Rossi commented.
On the topic of the region's potential as a middle corridor, Dr. Rossi explained, "Central Asia is more than just simply the buckle on the belt (of the Belt-Road Initiative). It is the connecting, intervening variable between West and East, but also North and South as well. Central Asia becomes that middle road by being the overland transit route between these countries."
When asked about the influence of China on the region and the global powers draw to the region, Dr. Rossi remarked, "China is a major catalyst in drawing attention to the idea that this is a region that is coming more and more under China's influence. But even without the China factor, the region is opening up, and the United States, as a major global economic power, would be remiss to ignore this region."
The region is nurturing an extraordinarily talented group of young adults, who hold great potential for the future. However, in order to provide them with incentives to stay and contribute to the social capital of countries like Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and Kyrgyzstan, more than just facilitating centers of higher learning is required. There needs to be a focus on creating opportunities and spaces where these young individuals can thrive and make a meaningful impact. Investment in infrastructure, innovation hubs, research centers, and cultural institutions can play a crucial role in retaining talent and fostering social development. By providing an environment that encourages their growth and enables them to contribute to their societies, Central Asian countries can unlock the full potential of their youth and pave the way for a prosperous future.
Discussing the region's educated population, Dr. Rossi highlighted the need to retain talent, stating, "The countries need to do more than just simply facilitate centers of higher learning, but there needs to be places for them... The multi-linguistic skills of Central Asian young adults make them attractive to multinational corporations and NGOs."
Central Asia the new Davos
In May and June 2023, the region hosted two major international events: the Astana International Forum and the Second Central Asia- European Union Summit in Cholpon-Ata. Dr. Rossi highlighted the Astana International Forum as a crucial platform for global dialogue, showcasing Central Asia's modernity, intellectual prowess, and eagerness to engage with the international community. The forum, held in Astana, Kazakhstan, provides an opportunity for the region to present itself as a global player in areas such as high-tech businesses, intellectual debates, and economic cooperation. Regarding Central Asian countries engaging with the international community, Dr. Rossi explained, "Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan have done the most in presenting themselves as equal opportunity engagers with the world. Neutrality is another way of looking at it, although no Central Asian country can afford to distance itself from its political and economic relations with Russia."
Dr. Rossi emphasized the delicate balancing act between East and West that is evident in Central Asia, stating, "And so I think that this balancing act between East and West is definitely on display here. I can speak more for Uzbekistan than I can for Kazakhstan. But we see that there is certainly an interest among the 20 and 30 somethings for Western goods, Western movies, Western products, Western consumerism."
The future of Central Asia looks bright
Regarding the political landscape, Dr. Rossi described the countries as "stabilocratic regimes," highlighting the presence of top-down executive-heavy leadership. He clarified that this characteristic is not necessarily rooted in classic authoritarianism but rather in the need for stability after emerging from the Soviet Union and becoming independent countries.
Dr. Rossi further explained, "The countries have put economic development and economic dynamism ahead of political liberalism, and so many within the social science and political science spheres have noted that this is a rather successful strategy."
Drawing parallels with other nations, Dr. Rossi mentioned China and Singapore, where economic liberalization has gradually led to political liberalization. While he acknowledged that the process may take years or decades in Central Asia, he emphasized that it opens the countries to international economic cooperation and investment, contributing to their overall development and integration into the global community.
When questioned about the possibility of regional integration, Dr. Rossi expressed his belief that Central Asia, if left to its own devices, would come to recognize that the borders established in 1991 are merely artificial divisions. He emphasized that the region has the potential for greater integration and organizational overlap, especially considering its membership in multiple international organizations. Dr. Rossi noted that Central Asia could benefit from the leadership and guidance provided by China and Russia, two major powers in the region. This collaboration and shared direction could foster a more cohesive and interconnected Central Asia, facilitating economic cooperation and regional stability. The vision of regional integration highlights the region's collective potential to transcend historical divisions and work towards a unified future.
When asked about the potential for regional integration, Dr. Rossi said, "Left to their own devices, Central Asia will once again realize that the hard borders created in 1991 are little more than imagined communities... I definitely see greater integration, greater organizational overlap in which Central Asia, being members of multiple organizations, would benefit from China's and Russia's leadership and direction."
Major challenges include water scarcity
Water scarcity has long been a challenge in the region, with the Aral Sea significantly shrinking since the 1980s. Dr. Rossi stressed the importance of countries like Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan leveraging their resources to improve water management and irrigation. He also highlighted the potential of countries like Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan to develop their tourism sectors, attracting visitors through their rich history, natural beauty, and cultural heritage.
Rossi stated, "the way that I see I see Central Asia is a future in this really twofold one in terms of just simply infrastructure and natural resources. Countries like Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan, which are rich in natural resources. have the opportunities of leveraging the money made there, inter, you know, in terms of investing in better water management, better irrigation and whatnot Other countries like Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan."
Looking ahead, Dr. Rossi expresses optimism for the region's future. Central Asia is positioned as an untapped destination for tourists, companies, and education, offering tremendous potential for growth and development. With its strategic location, rich resources, educated population, and potential for economic integration, Central Asia is poised to become a significant player on the world stage. As the region actively engages with the international community and addresses global challenges, it has the opportunity to shape its future and emerge as a key influencer in the global arena.
Dr. Rossi expressed optimism, saying, “this is the next big destination, not just for tourists, but also for companies, economics, and in education. It is untapped right? It's just simply untapped. And I think that the next 20 to 30 years are going to be phenomenal for the region."
The region's strategic location, natural resources, educated population, and potential for economic integration make it a significant player on the world stage. Central Asian countries are actively engaging with the international community, presenting themselves as "open for business" and seeking opportunities to address global challenges. As the region progresses, it has the potential to shape its future and become a key player in the global arena.
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