ASSESSMENTS

Central Asia: A Shifting Regional Dynamic

Apr 15, 2009 | 15:01 GMT

Sean Gallup/Getty Images

Summary

The global financial crisis and declining energy prices have shifted Central Asian regional leader Kazakhstan to an inward focus. Uzbekistan has sought to take advantage of this shift to reassert its historic role as regional leader. The Russo-Georgian war and Russian-U.S. negotiations over a new supply route to Afghanistan have also affected this changing regional dynamic. Ultimately, once Kazakhstan is in position to look outward again, it will collide with Uzbekistan due to the new role Tashkent has assumed during this time of flux.

With Kazakhstan temporarily focused inward, Uzbekistan has sought to seize the opportunity to return to its historical role as regional leader. (With STRATFOR maps)...

Keep Reading

Register to read three free articles

Proceed to sign up

Register Now

Already have an account?

Sign In