Central Asia security

Regional cooperation and security were the top-line items of Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for South and Central Asian Affairs Alice Wells’ recent trek to Tajikistan.

From the Great Game to the final frontier, Central Asia takes on new importance in a rapidly shrinking world.

"The SCO was already having difficulty crafting an identity and practical ideology with 6 member states, let alone 8."

"The nexus is a 21st century challenge for Central Asia that requires concerted national and international efforts."

Domestic discontent and economic hardship put Central Asia's regimes at risk.

By improving frosty relations with Tashkent, Moscow can boost its leverage over Central Asia as a whole.

China's ambitious goals for the SCO are helped by the imminent addition of three new members.

Structural and policy problems prevent the SCO from being an effective Central Asian security organization.

As U.S. interest in the region wanes, the prospects for Central Asia security are uncertain at best.