During The Cold War, Russia And The United States In The Three Countries In Central Asia Policy. Comparative Study

Since Central Asian countries'independence, this region's role in world politics has undergone radical changes, and its geopolitical importance has also increased. Central Asia's strategic position is very unique: it abounds in resources of oil and natural gas; it suffers the rampancy of"the three forces"; it is in the"front line"of big powers'competition. These factors account for the complicated geopolitical situation in this region. As a new force in international affairs, Central Asian countries, to a certain extent, have the ability to change the economic and political course, and the balance of strengths within its own region or even in a global scope. The past ten-odd years'history proves that Central Asian countries have already played and will play a very active role in the international community. Meanwhile, Russia and the US have become very influential external forces in this region, and will also influence Central Asia's development to a certain degree.Due to the change in Central Asia's geopolitics, China's geopolitical environment has also undergone the greatest change since its founding. Taking into consideration the new factors emerging from the pattern restructuring of international security, this paper tries to analyze and evaluate China's policy toward Central Asia. Beginning with the changes in Central Asia's geopolitics, Chapter One systematically reviews this region's important strategic role in history from a historical perspective. Chapter Two compares the evolution and development of Russia, the US, and China's Central Asia policies, and analyzes their current policies toward this region. Chapter Three compares the advantages and disadvantages of the three powers'Central Asia policies, and summarizes some general principles which can provide some reference for us. From the evolution of the idea on security, Chapter Four anatomizes the theory of new idea on security, analyzes Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), which was established on the basis of this theory, and reviews SCO's practices in maintaining regional stability and promoting Central Asian countries development. From such perspectives as political situation, economy, security and disharmony among countries in this region, Chapter Five systematically analyzes the current situation of Central Asia, which is influenced by the policies of big powers. On the basis of Chapter Five, Chapter Six analyzes and evaluates the strategic influence of Central Asia on China. Chapter Seven summarizes the conclusions obtained by the author in studying this subject, and provides several suggestions on the our policy toward Central Asia.Russia and the US's Central Asia policies are, in a sense, representative, and thus being of great reference significance to us in developing relations with countries in this region. This paper is based on the purpose of constructing a good surrounding geopolitical circumstance in order to maintain and prolong our period of strategic opportunity. Connecting theory with practice and bearing feasibility in mind, the author hopes this paper could provide some reference value in further enhancing China policy toward Central Asia.