RUDN Journal of Political ScienceRUDN Journal of Political ScienceВестник Российского университета дружбы народов. Серия: Политология2313-14382313-1446Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia named after Patrice Lumumba (RUDN University)3867010.22363/2313-1438-2024-26-1-78-89OIEODCREGIONAL SECURITY AND GEOPOLITICS ISSUESПРОБЛЕМЫ РЕГИОНАЛЬНОЙ БЕЗОПАСНОСТИ И ГЕОПОЛИТИКИResearch ArticleCentral Asia: Region’s Potential and New ChallengesЦентральная Азия: потенциал региона и новые вызовы для центральноазиатских государствhttps://orcid.org/0000-0002-4898-26274297-7880ZhiltsovSergey S.ЖильцовСергей Сергеевич

Doctor of Political Science, professor, head of the Department of Political
Science and Political Philosophy,

доктор политических наук, профессор, заведующий кафедрой политологии и политической философии

Serg.serg56@mail.ruThe Diplomatic Academy of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of RussiaДипломатическая академия МИД России15032024261Turn to the EastПоворот на Восток788908042024Copyright ©; 2024, Zhiltsov S.S.Copyright ©; 2024, Жильцов С.С.2024Zhiltsov S.S.Жильцов С.С.https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0https://journals.rudn.ru/political-science/article/view/38670

Traditionally, Central Asia is associated with a favorable geographical location and significant natural resources. These factors are of interests for the West, Russia, and China in the region. Meanwhile, the potential of Central Asian countries leaves many questions unanswered, as they face many regional challenges. The aim of the study is to identify the geopolitical and economic potential of the Central Asian countries, as well as to identify the challenges that the states have faced in recent years. A special attention is paid to the water and energy issue, which remains the most pressing problem for the whole region. In the conclusion, the author identified two of them: the persistence of economic difficulties in the development of Central Asian countries, which to a certain extent act as economic competitors, as well as the increased influence of extra- regional actors on the countries of the region.

Традиционно Центральная Азия ассоциируется с выгодным географическим положением и значительными запасами природных ресурсов. Данные факторы усиливают интерес Запада, России и Китая к центральноазиатским государствам и в целом к региону. В то же время потенциал стран Центральной Азии оставляет много вопросов, поскольку страны сталкиваются с большим количеством региональных проблем. Цель исследования заключается в выявлении роли геополитического и экономического потенциала стран Центральной Азии, а также определении вызовов, с которыми государства сталкиваются в последние годы. Отдельное внимание уделяется водно-энергетической проблематике, которая остается наиболее острым вопросом для региона. Сделаны выводы о сохранении проблем в экономическом развитии стран Центральной Азии, которые в большей степени выступают в качестве конкурентов, а также о возросшем влиянии внерегиональных акторов на страны региона.

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