Dr. Islomkhon Gafarov’s article, published in Oriental Studies, a peer-reviewed academic journal by the Tashkent State University of Oriental Studies, provides a comprehensive analysis of the foreign policy strategies of Russia and China concerning the geopolitical and economic connectivity of Central and South Asia.
Dr. Gafarov begins by contextualising the importance of Central-South Asian connectivity, emphasising its pivotal role in Uzbekistan’s foreign policy and the broader Eurasian agenda. The author investigates the multifaceted dimensions of this connectivity, including the influence of external powers like Russia and China. Through a comparative methodology, he identifies the convergences and divergences in the strategic interests of these major Eurasian actors, exploring how their policies shape regional dynamics.
The article delves into Russia’s constructivist approach, which is rooted in concepts like Eurasianism. Russia utilises platforms such as the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) and Eurasian Economic Union (EEU) to bolster its regional influence. Moscow’s primary interest lies in the export of energy resources to South Asia while maintaining control over Central Asia’s economic and political integration. Dr. Gafarov highlights that while Russia supports major transport corridors like the International North-South Transport Corridor, it hesitates to embrace projects led by external powers that could dilute its regional dominance.
On the other hand, the author examines China’s strategic vision, which centres around its flagship Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). China integrates Central and South Asia into a coherent framework through projects such as the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and the C+C5 platform. Unlike Russia, Beijing’s approach is characterised by a focus on economic pragmatism and infrastructure development. However, it is noted that China’s policies largely exclude India from regional integration, reflecting underlying geopolitical rivalries.
Dr. Islomkhon Gafarov’s scholarly contribution lies in elucidating how these competing strategic frameworks influence Central-South Asian connectivity, offering nuanced insights into the interplay of regional cooperation and great power competition. The article serves as a valuable resource for policymakers and scholars exploring Eurasian geopolitics and regional integration processes.
Read and download the article here
* The Institute for Advanced International Studies (IAIS) does not take institutional positions on any issues; the views represented herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the IAIS.
