In a significant move aimed at enhancing its understanding and engagement with the Central Asian region, the Russian Academy of Sciences has formally inaugurated the Center for Central Asian Studies at the Institute of China and Modern Asia. The establishment of this center comes as a result of the initiative undertaken by the presidential administration of the Russian Federation, reflecting the growing importance of Central Asia in global geopolitics.
The Center for Central Asian Studies, as reported by its Telegram channel, will have a primary focus on conducting comprehensive research into modern politics, economics, international and interfaith relations, and religious politics in the countries of Central Asia. Additionally, it will also delve into the dynamics in Afghanistan and Pakistan, which have crucial implications for the region.
Kirill Babaev, the Director of the Institute of China and Modern Asia, underscored the strategic importance of Central Asia in the broader Eurasian context.
"Central Asia becomes a key region for the entire Eurasian space, for cooperation between great powers and the integration of major economic initiatives. The region is also the core of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization. The task of our new center is to provide the Russian authorities with relevant and objective analysis of what is happening in Central Asia, to form a scientific basis for the further development of partnerships between Russia and the countries of the region," he stated.
Heading the Center for Central Asian Studies is Dmitry Novikov, a Candidate of Political Sciences, who brings a wealth of expertise in the field. Novikov expressed optimism about the center's potential, stating;
"Today the state has a clear understanding that in order to carry out an effective policy in the region that meets the requirements of the times, it is necessary to rely on fundamental science and the expertise resulting from it. We will try to make our contribution to providing Russian policy with new ideas and strengthening relations between Russia and the countries of Central Asia."
Novikov's vision includes positioning the center as one of the leading research clusters for the study of Central Asia in Russia, contributing significantly to the body of knowledge and policy formulation concerning the region.
Geopolitical Significance
Central Asia has increasingly gained prominence on the international stage due to its vast energy resources, strategic location, and its role in regional security. The establishment of the Center for Central Asian Studies underscores Russia's commitment to strengthening its engagement with the countries in the region and fostering mutually beneficial partnerships.
The new center is expected to play a pivotal role in shaping Russia's policies in Central Asia and deepening its ties with these nations, reflecting the growing recognition of the region's significance in the evolving global landscape.
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