Playing Both Fronts: How Central Asia Balances Between Russia and the West

Since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine began, Central Asian (CA) countries found themselves in a difficult position. Under Western sanctions, Russia has increased pressure to keep them under its control and use them for economic purposes. At the same time, the West has become more interested in Central Asia and is taking steps to establish cooperation. How deep are the Central Asian countries’ ties with Russia now? Is Central Asia managing to maintain its sovereignty amid geopolitical tensions? What does the future hold for the region? Annette Bohr, Research Fellow in Chatham House’s Russia and Eurasia Program, writes about these issues.

Read the original article in English
Read the Russian language version at Sapere Aude online