For decades, Central Asia has been overlooked in discussions of global geopolitics. But as competition between Russia, China and the West intensifies, the region has become increasingly important for energy security, trade, connectivity and regional stability.
In this episode of The Geopolitical Review, I speak with Dr. Filippo Costa-Buranelli (University of St Andrews) about why Central Asia is moving from the geopolitical margins to the centre of international affairs. We discuss Russia’s changing influence following the invasion of Ukraine, China’s growing economic presence through the Belt and Road Initiative, and how the region’s states are exercising greater strategic autonomy.