... initiative.
The Working Paper covers the economic interests and presence of Russia and China in the region, and compares their resources for ensuring security. Special attention is paid to the possible cooperation between the two powers in tying together the EEU and the SREB. The authors suggest several promising formats and areas which are in the best interests of both Russia and China, and, first and foremost, in the best interests of the Central Asian states themselves.
Prospects for Russian-Chinese Cooperation in Central Asia
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... concerned should approach the common problem of terrorism in Central Asia, as well as and in Afghanistan and Pakistan, very seriously, yet without interfering in Afghanistan’s internal affairs.
How real is the threat posed by Afghanistan for the EEU, given the fact that the borders with Kyrgyzstan are now open?
The threat is very real. Some believe that Russia exaggerates this threat, because it is trying to strengthen its presence in the region and pull the Central Asian states back under its umbrella. In my opinion, this remark is somewhat unprofessional. As someone who has spent many years in Afghanistan, I think that Russia even understates these threats. In reality, the situation is very difficult. This ...
... certain constraints and requires a significant effort, first and foremost, in ensuring security in Central Eurasia. No development is possible without security guarantees. Therefore, preventing chaos and Islamization as well as preserving statehood in Central Asia, the most vulnerable region of the EEU space, is one of the most urgent priorities.
Due to the terrorist attacks in Paris and increased safety requirements in the Russian Federation, the country is faced with a fundamental dilemma of maintaining the integration momentum within the EEU and of guaranteeing the security of citizens at the same time. This dilemma is quite thorny and requires a delicate resolution. ...
... other Russia-led organizations.
Businesses and analysts, conversely, believe that integration with the EEU will deprive Tajikistan of independence and confuse relations with the outside world, affecting economic ties with other actors.
2. How can the EEU aid or obstruct the resolution of Central Asian economic problems?
SO
: Economic difficulties in Russia definitely have an impact on other countries' willingness to join the EEU. However, if Dushanbe opts to become a member, our economists and businessmen hope to see the influx of funds for the re-industrialization of the hydraulic power sector via ...
... Uzbek gas deliveries to southern Kyrgyzstan proves that Moscow is in fact
advocating
the EEU states’ interests.
How could the EEU affect Central Asia’s relations with other countries and international organizations?
Andrey Chebotaryov
: The EEU largely reflects Russia’s geopolitical interests. Hence, Central Asian states may become involved in competition between Russia and other outside actors, especially as the sanctions war between Russia and the West is in full swing. At the same time, other states and international entities refrain from putting ...
... connected to borders, limited water resources, and cross-border trade. But the EEU makes Central Asian integration ipso facto impossible. On the other hand perhaps, this is the objective reality, since the countries of the region have failed to construct Central Asia as a single region. The EEU brings the republics of the region closer to Russia and only then does it make sense to talk about enhancing potential cooperation between other member countries of the organization with each other. I believe that a “reset” of relations among Central Asian republics would be possible ...
... somewhat vague and reassuring.
The extent and type of the influence of the Ukrainian situation on other countries varies depending on their location and domestic conditions, but, obviously, the crisis will have a significant impact on the perception of Russia’s role in its nearest neighborhood. In this regard, it is important to understand the effects produced by the Ukrainian crisis on the Central Asian states, which are considered not only as an integral sphere of Russian influence, but also as the main platform for implementing the Eurasian integration project.
Despite the fact that information in Central Asian states is essentially closed ...
