The role of Central Asian countries in the Greater Eurasia project, given the role of Russia and China
Subject Areas : International Relations
ELAHEH KOOLAEE
1
,
Somaye Zangeneh
2
1 - Full Professor of Regional Studies Department University of Tehran
2 - PhD student. Faculty of Law and Political Science. Regional Studies Group. University of Tehran
Keywords: convergence, Central Asia, Divergence, Multilateral Foreign Policy, Greater Eurasia, Eurasian Economic Union,
Abstract :
The overall economic framework for building Greater Eurasia, including Russia, China, and Central Asia, is more closely linked to the Chinese One Belt One Road Initiative and the Cooperation Agreement between the project and the Eurasian Economic Union. Along with traditional Russian influence, China's growing growth is strongly felt in Central Asia and is a major factor in shaping the new structure of the Greater Eurasian regions. The geopolitical situation in the convergence of Central Asian countries makes Russia and China the only options available to them. Political and military convergence with Russia in the Collective Security Treaty Organization, as well as economic convergence with Russia in the Eurasian Economic Union, are key elements. The present article uses a descriptive-analytical method and within the framework of the concept of multidimensional foreign policy with the aim of providing a systematic analysis of the interests of Central Asian countries involved in the current approach of Russia and China. How do Russia and China play a role? The research hypothesis is that the countries of Central Asia seek to balance the growing influence of Russia and China in the Greater Eurasia Plan by adopting a " Multi -vector foreign policy". The findings show that Central Asian countries are forced to converge with China and Russia due to geopolitical determinism, but on the other hand, in order to be dominated in this process, they have developed relations with the West and the Islamic world.
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