Not only America is leaving Central Asia. European experts note that the old system of international relations is collapsing, and a new one has yet to emerge in its place. Countries in the region, like Europe, passionately hope for the end of chaos and find themselves in a state of uncertainty, questioning where to move next and with whom.
Despite the attempts of some Kyrgyz NGOs to dispute this opinion, the words of the anthem "God Save America" have lost their significance for us. We have also realized that relying on assistance from the USA is impractical. America provided support only within the frameworks that were beneficial to it — as long as the "Ganci" military base operated in Kyrgyzstan. With the departure of the base and the decline of pro-American NGOs' influence, funding from the USA has decreased, and the remaining activists primarily operate outside the country.
Although American interest in Central Asia has not waned, their influence has noticeably weakened. Donald Trump is currently focused on global projects and is not overly concerned about what is happening in Europe.
The well-known publication Die Zeit states that Trump's actions undermine the foundations of international law and trust in NATO. In this situation, the European Union has a chance to create a new global alliance.
Trump may use Central Asia as a tool against his main rivals — Russia and China. But what does this mean for us?
America, like Russia, is in a complicated situation, trying to contest a unipolar world while simultaneously addressing internal issues. China, on the other hand, is engaged in a trade war with the USA. Trump tries to reassure the world by claiming that America does not wish to harm China; however, history shows that US "assistance" often leads to unpredictable consequences.
Against the backdrop of these global processes, EU countries initially felt anxious, believing that the USA, China, and Russia would divide the world, leaving Europe caught in between. However, they later realized that a powerful bloc of democracies could serve as a counterbalance to this pressure.
The question remains: what are the prospects for Kyrgyzstan, a country caught between Russia and China? We cannot simply ignore global issues, and relying on the USA is also impractical. In the current situation, it is essential to seek support from our closest neighbors, with whom we share common territory and problems.
The region faces a variety of challenges, including socio-economic instability, water resource shortages, environmental issues, and threats from Afghanistan, such as extremism and drug trafficking. All of this requires a comprehensive approach to resolution.
For a long time, Central Asia has suffered from border conflicts. However, the head of the State National Security Committee of the Kyrgyz Republic, Kamchybek Tashiev, has managed to establish dialogue with neighbors, which has become the foundation for peaceful coexistence.
At the 91st meeting of the Council of Commanders of Border Troops of the CIS, Tashiev expressed the opinion about the possible reduction of border presence on the Kyrgyz-Tajik border. This could be a step towards creating a powerful bloc capable of countering both internal and external threats.
Existing organizations, such as the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) and the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO), do not fully align with the interests of Central Asia and require changes. This also applies to the CIS and EAEU.
It is necessary to create a new organization that will unite the countries of Central Asia on an equal basis and promote their cultural and economic development.
Die Zeit notes that in the era of American hegemony, Europe often felt helpless. Europe should believe in itself and stop self-flagellation. Perhaps it is also time for Central Asia to recognize its strength and unite into a powerful alliance to secure its future.
