Central Asia: A Region Requiring Independent Attention, According to Research.
Central Asia should not be treated as a secondary concern, says expert
In a recent interview with The Astana Times, Luca Anceschi, a professor of Eurasian studies at the University of Glasgow, emphasized the importance of addressing Central Asia as a region with its own dynamics rather than simply as a secondary concern related to conflicts in neighboring areas.
Anceschi, who has dedicated more than 10 years to studying the geopolitics of Eurasia, highlighted the long-standing relations between the European Union (EU) and Central Asia, describing it as an “excellent place to be.” He stressed that Central Asia is unique and should not be compared to other regions.
The EU has been actively engaging with Central Asian countries, with Kazakhstan being the first to sign an Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement with the EU. While Kazakhstan has made significant progress in its relationship with the EU, other Central Asian countries like Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan are still in the process of finalizing similar agreements.
In January, the European Parliament published a resolution on the EU’s strategy for the region, recognizing Central Asia as a region of strategic interest in terms of security, connectivity, energy diversification, and conflict resolution. Anceschi commended the resolution but cautioned against viewing Central Asia solely through the lens of geopolitical developments in neighboring regions like Ukraine.
The EU’s engagement in Central Asia aims to establish a successful imprint as a donor in the region, promoting civil society, good governance, and the rule of law. While the EU may not have the strategic capabilities of other regional powers like Russia or China, it can still play a valuable role in promoting cooperation and capacity building in Central Asia.
Overall, Anceschi believes that Central Asia should be a priority for the EU, independent of external conflicts or interests. By recognizing the region’s unique dynamics and potential, the EU can strengthen its partnership with Central Asian countries and contribute to regional stability and development.
