International relations started to change radically towards the end of the twentieth and the beginning of the twenty-first century due to changes in the political, economic and social structures. The new system started to emerge as the bipolar world came to an end. First, we observe the changing world geostrategic balance with the appearance of multi-polar power centres. The power struggle to control the world is growing to the extent that some countries are openly trying to be the dictator. Consequently, countries are resorting to threats that were traditionally not resorted to, like, international terrorism, religious extremism and fundamentalism, drug traffic, illegal weapon trade, chauvinism and separatism. These threats endanger modern international relations, integration and globalization system, national, regional and international security. Under these conditions to maintain world peace and stability in each territory, including Central Asia, is very important. Hence, the role and significance of each region is growing rapidly. The growing connection among them requires cooperating with each other.
Central Asia comprises of the five newly independent republics—Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, Turkmenistan and Tajikistan. “Central Asia is a great geographic territory, which occupies the territory from the Caspian Sea in the west until Chinese Xingjian autonomous region in the east, from Kazakhstan in the north until Pakistan. It lies on 4 million square kilometers in Eurasian plain. Fifty ml. people live in this continent, which borders on Russia, Iran and China”, says A.Jalilov.1 Geographic factors are closely connected to the state policy in geopolitics. Even if a country is favourably situated in its geographic position and has abundant natural resources but it can help development only if these factors are exploited fully. Judging the Central Asian region from its geostrategic condition and natural resources we shall try and see how the economic and political measures have influenced its role and importance in the sphere of international relations.
The importance of Central Asia is that it is situated in the “hub” of geopolitical struggles of many countries and it is a bridge connecting eastern countries with western ones. Connecting Asian and European continents, its significance is recognized for its geopolicy, geoeconomics and geostrategy. A hundred years ago the territory was the main route for the Great Silk Road that connected Europe with China and India. The Great Silk Road is being reorganized again. Many countries are interested in thisand the idea will succeed.
The future will see the significant geopolitical role of Central Asia, as the transnational rail, automobile roads and new transport communications in Afghanistan will facilitate this. It will give a chance to the five Central Asian and Transcaucasian republics, and also to China as it continues building the Great Silk Road to China. Transport communications will give an impetus to trade, economic and cultural relations. The future will see Central Asia as a bridge connecting the two geopolitical centres—Asiaand Europe.
Central Asian republics are situated in a great geopolitical territory, they have the same infrastructure and economy but they are far from sea communications. That is why Central Asia cannot be compared with other countries, i.e. it is a continental territory. Europe, Asian-Pacific continent, South Asia and the Mediterranean countries are coastal countries; this factor gives them an edge, which facilitates trade and hence the development of its economy. One of the geostrategic problems for Central Asian republics is their continental position. This geopolitical situation causes certain problems for the countries in dealing with their foreign policy. But it can be used favourably for economic integration, which would resolve the problem. This continental integration would help to maintain peace and security in Central Asia.
Central Asia is a unique territory not only from the geopolitical point of view, but also from the geoeconomic one. The land-lock position of Central Asia is compensated by the existence of rich natural resources2. The riches of Central Asia, for example oil and gas reserves attract many foreign countries. Explored oil reserve is equal to 15-31 bin barrels or 2.7 per cent of world reserve; natural gas reserve is 230-360 trillion cubic feet or 7 per cent of world reserve. Comparison brings out its real significance: Near Eastoil reserve consists of 55 per cent and South American reserve 8 per cent of all world oil reserves. According to some geologists, who are researching on this state that Central Asian and Caspian territories have not been explored completely.3 The exploration of hydrocarbon reserves is expected in the near future. These five republics are working in cooperation with many foreign countries to explore the above-mentioned reserves. Central Asian republics are trying to solve the problems and obstacles connected with the exploration of oil and gas reserves, mining and exporting. Hence, we see the significance of cooperation and integration in the case of continental countries; it is a requirement of the present day.
The role and importance of Central Asian continent in modern international relations is defined by the factors shown above. Having gained independence the challenge before the nations is their economic development. Socio-political, socio-economic and spiritual changes stimulate the countries to develop. But each republic of Central Asiais of paramount concern to many countries of the world. Their strategic position attracts Russia, China, Iran and Turkey. The US, European countries and Japan are interested in the economic potential of the region.
As a result, political games around the region have begun, which have caused many problems for these countries. The power resources of Central Asian and Caspian countries are geopolitical questions that should be solved mutually. It is very important for the world strategic powers whether the oil and gas pipelines pass through this or that country. These are the reasons for fierce competition among the leading world countries, leading to new contradictions, and threats to peace and security in the continent. Central Asia is a part of such region where lie the interests of world geostrategic powers. Some external powers are trying to destabilize the situation in Central Asia.
This situation requires the Central Asian countries to collectively secure peace in the region. Central Asia is an area of potential conflicts. There are destabilizing factors both inside and outside the continent. There are ethnopolitical, economic conflicts and some social and demographic, ecologic problems that are waiting to be resolved. Besides international terrorism and religious extremism, drug trafficking is on the increase too. The collapse of bipolar world security has changed the essence of security system; it is now connected with globalization and integration, which determines international relations. As globalization of international relations and interdependence of the countries have increased, problems of any nature be it political, social or economic, all lead to bankruptcy. Hence, politically and socially the countries become unstable.
Under the new international security system, countries are unable to resolve their problems alone or by resorting to traditional methods. The current problems in Central Asia, of course, affect the other countries. Adequate solution is required to solve these problems on a timely basis. To maintain peace in the world all countries should unitedly fight against the threats that are facing the Central Asian countries.
