On 16-17 November 2024, Dr. Aijan Sharshenova, executive director of Crossroads Central Asia, took part in a conference on economoic relations ebtween the Gulf and Central Asia. On the sidelines, Dr Sharshenova gave a short interview, discussing the key roadblocks Central Asian countries need to overcome to become a better integrated region.
Dr Sharshenova highlighted several critical obstacles that Central Asian countries must address to achieve better regional integration. She pointed out that the region’s historical path dependency, shaped by decades of governance from Moscow during the Soviet era, has contributed to a reliance on external decision-making. This legacy has made it challenging for Central Asian nations to fully assume responsibility for resolving regional issues and fostering dialogue among themselves.
One major obstacle is the presence of unresolved border disputes, which continue to strain relations between neighboring countries. Additionally, the region’s geopolitical and economic diversity presents significant challenges. Central Asia is home to five nations with varying economic capacities and geopolitical alignments. For instance, some countries, such as Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, are resource-rich and economically stronger, while others, like Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan, face more economic constraints. Furthermore, the region’s proximity to major powers like Russia and China adds complexity to its integration efforts, as these external actors exert considerable influence over local policies.
Dr. Sharshenova also emphasized the differing interests of upstream and downstream countries in managing shared water resources. Upstream nations with abundant water resources demand recognition of water as a commodity that should be compensated for, while downstream nations depend on these resources for their survival. Such disputes hinder the development of cooperative frameworks for regional water management and energy integration.
Despite these challenges, Dr. Sharshenova noted growing opportunities for integration. Over the past 30 years, Central Asian countries have developed a shared identity rooted in their common history and interests. There is increasing political will to strengthen regional cooperation, but progress remains uneven due to the dynamic and shifting nature of domestic and international conditions. To move forward, she suggested that the region must capitalize on moments when geopolitical conditions are favorable, balancing external partnerships pragmatically and fostering trust through shared economic and cultural initiatives.
The interview can be accessed at Hollings Center for International Dialogue at https://hollingscenter.org/central-asias-path-to-regional-cooperation/.