The new great game in central Asia

Abstract

The power vacuum created by the break-up of Soviet Union resulted in the birth of independent Central Asian states. These states because of their peculiar geostrategic and geoeconomic position have attracted the attention of world powers since their independence. The vast reserves of oil and gas in Central Asia promising future energy security for the great powers and ri sing powers, the economic potential of the region, the forces of religious extremism challenging the security of neighboring China, Russia, Iran, and even beyond, and Central Asia 's unique geography which can make the effects of these emerging trends felt in South, West, and East Asia make this region a centre of the attention of world powers. The great powers and regional neighbors all compete for power and influence in Central Asia because this region is linked with their national securities directly or indirectly. The states in this competitive-cum-cooperative interaction in the arena of Central Asia are strictly guided by their national interests. It is because of this that the multidimensional interactions of states in Central Asia are termed as the New Great Game. Pakistan has geostrategic, political, and economic interests in Central Asia; and is an active player in the New Great Game. For Pakistan a major factor in Central Asian New Great Game is the war against terro ri sm in Afghani stan. Afghani stan is at the junction of Central As ia, South Asia, and Middle East, and has the capability of affectin g all these regions positively or negatively. Pakistan can benefit strategicall y, po li tically, and economically by developing closer ties with Central Asia. But Pakistan 's relative weakness, its Afghan policy and over-reliance on Islamic card to deal with secular Central Asia have been major hurdl es in the way of Pakistan 's pursuit for its interests in the New Great Game.