Central Asia is a region that has long been a hotly contested region for many centuries due to its strategic location and valuable natural resources. Due to the various forces at play in this region, the dominating leading force in Central Asia can change frequently. To understand the dynamics behind the leading force in this region, we will explore the factors that make up the current leading force in Central Asia and why they remain in power.
Geographic Dynamics
Central Asia is a region that crucial to many countries in Eurasia due to its geographical location. It provides land access to Russia and China, two powerful states who have held sway in the region for centuries. Central Asia is also geopolitically important for countries such as India, with its oil supplies and access to the Caspian Sea. This geopolitical importance has historically influenced the rising and faltering of powers in the region.
Historical Influences
Throughout much of history, Central Asia has been home to powerful empires such as the Mohghul and Seljuk who spread their influence through tactics such as war and economic control. These empires left their mark in the region and have heavily influenced the current power dynamics. In particular, the domination of the Mongols laid a foundation for subsequent empires such as the Qarakhides who went on to dominate Central Asia in the early 13th century.
Russia: The Dominant Force in Central Asia
Since the fall of the Soviet Union, Russia has been the dominant leading force in Central Asia. As the successor state to the Soviet Union, Russia inherited its policies and military bases in the region. The Kremlin has been able to capitalise on the region’s resources and maintain control through diplomatic conventions and membership to the post-Soviet space. Furthermore, Russia has been able to exert political influence by supporting its allies in the region and opposing leaders who run counter to its foreign policy.
A Rising China
China is also emerging as a powerful leading force in Central Asia. As the country gains more influence in the region due to its economic growth and military prowess, it is becoming increasingly difficult for Russia to maintain its hegemony. For example, Chinese trade with Central Asia has skyrocketed over the past two decades and it has started to make diplomatic and economic agreements with the region’s states. Moreover, China has made large investments in the region to gain access to strategic resources.
Prosperity and Progress
Central Asia is also seeing progress and prosperity brought by its own economic and political reforms. The region’s countries are making a concerted effort in modernising their infrastructure and adapting their legal systems to become more business friendly. This progress is providing more opportunities for the region’s citizens, allowing them to increase their living standards and build stable businesses. The region is also open to welcoming foreign investments, giving investors new and interesting opportunities to operate in the region.
The dominant leading force in Central Asia is constantly changing, as powerful states such as Russia, China, and other regional countries and organisations continue to exert influence on the region. However, it is clear that Russia and China are currently the most influential players in the region, due to their history, geopolitical importance and large investments in the region’s resources and economies. Central Asia is also slowly but steadily achieving progress and prosperity in its own right, making it an increasingly attractive proposition for foreign investors, and thus becoming an important factor in the region’s power dynamics.
