New regional ‘in-security’ system in Central Asia

Abstract:

Ten years have passed since the Central Asian states declared their independence, but their relationship with Russia still remains close, and the latter treats them as its exclusive zone of influence. A crucial reason for keeping Central Asia within the orbit of Moscow's influence is the fact that Russia exercises control over the most important transport routes out of the region of raw materials for the power industry, on which the economic development of Asia depends on. But this is the only manifestation of Central Asia's economic dependence on Russia. Moscow lacks solid economic instruments (i.e. investment input or power industry dependence) to shape the situation in the region.

As the present forms of political cooperation within the CIS, Customs Union etc. are not bringing the expected results, it is the regional security system based on military dominance, developed by Russia, which is particularly gaining in importance. Russia treats its direct military presence as a condition for full implementation of its policy towards the region and towards Afghanistan. For two years Moscow has been successful in this area.