As Donald Trump prepares to reenter the Oval Office, his administration will face a complex and crowded foreign policy agenda. Among the many challenges, one region that demands immediate attention is Central Asia. Consisting of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan, this region holds significant geopolitical, economic, and strategic importance for the United States. Despite its potential, US engagement in Central Asia has often been inconsistent, leaving the door open for greater influence from regional powers like Russia and China.

Central Asia is at the heart of the Eurasian landmass, a historic crossroads of trade and transit. With abundant natural resources, including vast reserves of oil, natural gas, and minerals near the Caspian Sea, the region offers tremendous economic potential. Since gaining independence following the Soviet Union’s collapse in 1991, these nations have worked to establish their sovereignty, developing unique foreign policies and national identities.

Their strategic location makes them critical players in global commerce and geopolitics. For centuries, Central Asia facilitated trade along the Silk Road, connecting Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. Today, the region’s infrastructure, energy exports, and transit routes are pivotal for the global economy. Despite this, the United States has often neglected the region, focusing on other geopolitical arenas while allowing competitors like China and Russia to dominate.

US interest in Central Asia spiked after the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, as the region became crucial for military operations in Afghanistan. American bases were established in Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan, marking a brief period of enhanced engagement. However, as US involvement in Afghanistan diminished, so too did its focus on the broader........

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