The Strategic Importance of Central Asia: An American View

Abstract

Undoubtedly Central Asia's strategic importance in international affairs is growing. The rivalries among Russia, China, United States, Iran, India, and Pakistan not tomention the ever-changing pattern of relations among local states (five former Soviet republics and Afghanistan) make the region's importance obviously clear. Central Asia's strategic importance for Washington, Moscow, and Beijing varies with each nation s perception of its strategic interests. Washington focuses primarily on Central Asia as an important theater in the war on terrorism. Additionally, it is viewed as a theater where America might counter a revived Russia or China, or a place to blunt any extension of Iranian influence. Moscow and Beijing view the region as a vital locale for defending critical domestic interests. This asymmetry of interest is a major factor in the competition among states for influence in the region.

Open PDF

Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jan 01, 2008
Accession Number
ADA485885

Entities

People

  • Stephen Blank

Organizations

  • United States Army War College

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Energy and Power Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Air Defense
  • Asia
  • Central Asia
  • Cis
  • Defense Systems
  • Eurasia
  • Governments
  • Insurgency
  • International Organizations
  • Market Economy
  • National Politics
  • National Security
  • Political Systems
  • Terrorism
  • Terrorists
  • United States
  • War Colleges

Readers

  • Asian Economic Studies
  • East Asian Political and Security Studies within the Soviet Union