Who Controls Central Asia_ _ Michael Hilliard

Who controls Central Asia? And why the region so often overlooked by the international community, especially by the United States and the European Union, despite its growing strategic importance? In this interview, I speak with Michael Hilliard, Director of Defence and Security Analysis at the Oxus Society for Central Asian Affairs, to explore why this region matters more than ever, and why it gets so little attention.

Home to Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan, Central Asia is becoming an increasingly vital geopolitical crossroads. We discuss how each state brings something different to the table—Kazakhstan as the economic leader, Uzbekistan as the population hub, Kyrgyzstan with its democratic reputation, and Turkmenistan’s reclusive stance. Here, we examine the intricate interplay between regional identities and the influence of major powers. Russia still dominates militarily, China is expanding its economic footprint, and Turkey is rising as a key defence partner. Yet Western engagement remains minimal, raising serious questions about future stability and influence in this crucial part of the world. Whether you're interested in geopolitics, global strategy, or simply want to understand a part of the world that rarely makes headlines, this conversation sheds light on why Central Asia can no longer be ignored.

*VIDEO CHAPTERS*
00:00 Introduction and Titles
01:09 Central Asia: Reasons for Importance and Relative Obscurity
02:28 Central Asia’s Diverse National Identities in the Post Soviet Space
06:50 Relations Between Central Asia’s Republics
08:31 To What Extent is There Integration Between The Republics?
11:12 Russia’s Enduring Influence In Central Asia
16:56 China’s Growing Role in Central Asia
20:15 Central Asia’s Role In Russia and China’s Complex Ties
22:31 Turkey’s Emerging Influence in Central Asia
26:23 Will The West Take A Greater Role In Central Asia?

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