US policy in Central Asia: key results and prospects

Abstract

The United States is consistently expanding its presence in Central Asia. The region seems attractive to the US because of its geographic location and significant natural resource reserves which American industry urgently needs. In recent years, rare-earth metals have become key resources. The US interest is driven by their importance for high-tech industries. Central Asian countries possess reserves of rare-earth metals. Therefore, the US hopes to reduce its dependence on China by using the potential of these countries. In addition to its aspirations for natural resources, Washington seeks expanded trade and economic cooperation with Central Asia, primarily based on the US interests and the adjustment of foreign policy pursued by Central Asian states. For the regional countries, interaction with the US offers opportunities to diversify foreign affairs. The article concludes that Washington’s strategy is aimed at further cementing Central Asian countries within the orbit of American interests. Various mechanisms are being used for this purpose, including multilateral and bilateral cooperation. The US assesses Central Asian states solely through the prism of their raw materials and sees them as countries that will contribute to resolving the problems accumulated in the American economy. In the future, the US will intend to promote its interests more actively by using political pressure on the regional countries and expanding economic cooperation with them.