But links to Russia are likely to remain strong
Russia’s war in Ukraine has rattled its traditional allies in post-Soviet Central Asia. These countries are bound to Moscow by formal ties of politics, economics and energy supply, as well as informal ties of family, culture and language, and they have looked askance at Russia’s invasion of another ex-Soviet neighbour.
Yet even as they seek alternative alliances, in some ways they are becoming even more tightly entangled with their former colonial master.
The default position in the capitals of the five Central Asian republics, known as the “Stans” (see map), has been to profess neutrality over the war and refuse to give Russia diplomatic cover, beyond abstaining from un votes condemning its aggression. That will continue in 2024. But so will Central Asia’s efforts to cultivate relations with other partners.
Source: Economist
