Central Asia and Post-2014 Afghanistan: A New Turn in Russia's Military Policy in Central Asia

Abstract

As the NATO withdrawal proceeds in Afghanistan, both the Alliance and key members will encourage Central Asian states to assume more responsibility for providing their own security. But such a task is enormous for most Central Asian governments. Thus, they fear that they might be abandoned to Moscow, if not Beijing, or left on their own to face what they believe to be a mounting terrorist threat. This article examines the already visible military and strategic rivalry between Moscow and Washington for hegemony in Central Asia-mainly through support for weapon transfers, basing rights, and regional integration mechanisms in the security field.