By José Carlos Palma*
The term “Russia’s backyard” was used to describe Soviet Central Asia and the republics of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, and Tajikistan after the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991. While Russia had a strong influence in the region for centuries, the countries of Central Asia have made significant strides in their independence since the Soviet collapse.
Despite these advances, Russia remains a significant regional power and its influence on Central Asia is undeniable. Russia is a major trading partner, investor, and security provider for the region. The Russian military has a significant presence in Central Asia and Russia has been involved in mediating conflicts in the region.
Several factors contribute to Russia’s continued influence in Central Asia:
- Shared history and culture: Russia and Central Asia share a long history and cultural ties. The region was part of the Russian Empire for centuries and the Soviet Union for another 70 years. This shared history has created a deep-rooted relationship between the two regions.
- Economic ties: Russia is a major economic partner in Central Asia. The region exports a significant amount of its energy and other resources to Russia. Russia also invests heavily in Central Asia and its businesses are major employers in the region.
- Security ties: Russia’s military has a significant presence in Central Asia. The Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO), a military alliance of post-Soviet states, is headquartered in Kazakhstan and Russia is a major provider of security assistance to the region.
- Geopolitical position: Central Asia is located on Russia’s doorstep and is a strategically important region for Moscow. Russia is concerned about the influence of other powers, such as the United States and China, in the region and it sees itself as a protector of Central Asia’s security and stability.
Despite these factors, Central Asia has made significant strides in its independence from Russia. The region has developed its own political and economic systems and it has a growing relationship with other powers, such as China and the United States.
In recent years, there has been a growing movement in Central Asia to reduce its dependence on Russia. The region has been diversifying its trade and investment partners and it has been investing in its security capabilities.
However, Russia is likely to remain an important partner for Central Asia for many years to come. The region’s shared history, cultural ties, and economic reliance on Russia will continue to bind the two regions together.
The term “Russia’s backyard” is outdated and offensive to many people in Central Asia. The region is independent and it is charting its course in the world. However, Russia remains a significant regional power and its influence on Central Asia is undeniable. The relationship between Russia and Central Asia is complex and it will continue to evolve in the years to come.
* Expert in international relations, such as foreign policy, international trade, domestic security, international security, developing nations, domestic security, intelligence, IT Consultant, world history, political consultant, and military analysis.