U.S. Balances Geopolitical Stance in Central Asia Amidst Growing Influence of Rivals
The U.S. is grappling with its geopolitical stance in Central Asia, with concerns about adversaries gaining full control over critical resources and transport capacity. Recent sanctions and actions have raised eyebrows, with some experts warning of a potential isolation of the region.
The U.S. has expressed worry about full control by adversaries over resources and transport capacity in Central Asia, particularly regarding critical metals and rare earth minerals. This concern is amplified by the recent resumption of sanctions against the Iranian port of Chabahar, which serves as a crucial link between Central and South Asia and a gateway to global markets.
At a recent hearing held by the U.S. Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, Republican Senator Steve Daines highlighted the significant, yet underutilized natural resources in the South Caucasus and Central Asia. Frederick Starr, founder and honorary chairman of the Central Asia-Caucasus Institute, also spoke at the hearings, voicing his concerns about the U.S.'s waning influence in the region.
The U.S. finds itself in a dilemma in Central Asia. While it aims to remove the region from Chinese and Russian influence, its own actions, such as sanctions against Iran, have hindered integration and strategic goals. These actions have inadvertently pushed Central Asia further into China's influence, despite the U.S.'s efforts to prevent this. For instance, U.S. sanctions against Iran have hindered Central Asian countries' relations with the south, including a gas supply deal between Turkmenistan and Iraq.
The U.S. currently perceives China, Russia, and to some extent India as its geopolitical rivals in Central Asia, mainly due to competing interests over transport corridors, energy resources, and regional influence. The potential deterioration of U.S. relations with Afghanistan over the Bagram base could also isolate Central Asia, further complicating the U.S.'s strategic goals in the region.
The U.S. must navigate its geopolitical stance in Central Asia carefully, balancing its concerns about resource control and influence with the potential isolation of the region. As the U.S. Senate Committee on Foreign Relations continues to discuss the future of U.S. strategy in the Black Sea region, experts like Frederick Starr advocate for the Greater Central Asia concept, which aims to develop transport and logistics links between the region and South Asia to reduce Russian and Chinese influence. The U.S. must consider these proposals and take decisive action to maintain its influence in the region while avoiding further isolation.
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