Vladimir Putin's Central Asian Policy 2000-08

In Search of Security and Influence

Author(s): Andrei Kazantsev
Editor(s): Jeronim Perovic, Robert Orttung, Matthias Neumann, Heiko Pleines, Hans-Henning Schröder
Series: Russian Analytical Digest (RAD)
Issue: 36
Pages: 17-20
Publisher(s): Center for Security Studies (CSS), ETH Zurich; Research Centre for East European Studies, University of Bremen
Publication Year: 2008

Russian policy towards Central Asia during Vladimir Putin's presidency (2000-2008) was largely driven by a desire to restore Russian influence and security concerns. The policy changed over time: In 1999-2001, Russia tried to integrate Central Asia by itself in order to guarantee regional security without the USA or EU. In 2001-2003, Russia grudgingly agreed to cooperate with the West in order to guarantee security. In the period from 2004-2008, Russia again decided to counterbalance US influence in Central Asia by pursuing a more active foreign policy and also through enhanced cooperation with non-Western players outside of the region.

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