Internal and External Dynamics of Regional Cooperation in Central Asia

Abstract

Contemporary Central Asia in the process of transformation and facing common security challenges. The stability and security in Central Asia affected the direction of integration, patterns of regional cooperation, and building of institutions. Central Asian republics have been co-founders of regional organizations including Central Asian Cooperation Organizations (CACO), Eurasian Economic Community (EurAsEC), Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) and Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), but their effectiveness is different. Central Asian and Caucasus republics, as well as China, Iran. Pakistan, India are involved in the process of organization and harmonization of the transport arteries and communications connecting Europe and Asia, the West and the East. There are many problems among different actors in Central Asia and Afghanistan, including Russia, US, China, the EU, NATO, OSCE and other international organizations, because they different approaches and understanding of the situation. Challenges of the 21-century require a broader partnership and cooperation. Future prospects of multilateral regional and international cooperation in Central Asia will depend on correlations of national, regional and global interests. It is necessary first of all strong dialogs between Central Asian republics itself. Central Asian geopolitical, economic and security challenges are connected and solution could come jointly. Future regional cooperation, strong international partnership would promote more stability, economic reforms and democratization to region and beyond.