Is Russia becoming Central Asia’s ‘near abroad’?
BISHKEK (TCA) — Russia’s relationship to Central Asia has always been distinctive and ambiguous. Only in the 20th century did it develop a deep sense of mission in this region. Today, Central Asia is fast recovering its traditional regional spirit, which increasingly impacts its former imperial ruler. As this happens, Russia, while remaining a force to be reckoned with in Central Asia, is also becoming an object of Central Asian geopolitical and cultural influence. Hence the notion of Russia as Central Asia’s “near abroad”. We are publishing excerpts from an address at Kennan Institute, Washington, D.C. on 2 October 2018 by S. Frederick Starr, Founding Chairman and Distinguished Fellow, Central Asia-Caucasus Institute, American Foreign Policy Council, and Founding Director, Kennan Institute:
