Great powers help keep Central Asia stable

More than 20 years after the Soviet collapse, the five Central Asian republics have somehow remained politically stable and are trying to find ways to thrive and protect their sovereignty. Some believe the role of big powers in this region is not as prominent as before. But that is not the case. Because of the changing international and regional situations, Central Asia is facing both external and internal challenges. The Afghan issue has posed direct pressure. As the withdrawal of NATO forces from Afghanistan in 2014 comes close, the possibility of warfare among feuding warlords remains, which could have a direct impact on Central Asian security. The Taliban are trying to establish a theocratic regime. Central Asian countries worry about a resurgence of religious extremism and terrorism. At the same time, the "Arab Spring" is approaching Central Asian countries, which are currently in a sensitive period of power transition. Central Asian governments have taken heed of the wave, and have taken supposedly preventative measures that have intensified conflicts between civilians and officials. The possibility of street protests or violence to influence political situation is rising. These countries may encounter the overflow of extreme religious forces. Domestically, Central Asia countries are also facing severe challenges. The political system of these countries has not fully developed, and party politics is still immature. Authoritarianism prevails, and conflicts among elites are prominent. The political influence of big powers and their neighboring countries is strengthening. Besides past social problems that remain unsolved, such as poverty, population and land usage, new ones have emerged. Food security problems are more urgent than ever, and the weak education resources cannot withstand the intrusion of religious extremism. Conflicts among Central Asian countries themselves are also apparent. For instance, the dispute over water resources between Uzbekistan and Tajikistan has been keeping bilateral relations tense. There is still the possibility of low-intensity confrontation in border regions. As Central Asian leaders constantly call for the support of big powers given numerous threats and challenges the region faces, these countries need to find the partners that can benefit themselves most in terms of politics, economy and security. Economic cooperation between China and Central Asia has been deepening, which has become a powerful engine for the region's economic development. Meanwhile, Russia has been playing a key role in the region's development and stability. For example, a customs union between Russia, Kazakhstan and Belarus has been introduced to promote regional economic integration. Russia also helps to maintain the security situation through the framework of the Collective Security Treaty Organization, especially in maintaining Kyrgyzstan's stability. For the US, Central Asia is the most important channel to withdraw troops from Afghanistan, making it powerfully invested in regional stability European countries have been dedicated to helping the region's economic growth, scholarship and cultural heritage, as well as coordinating disputes of water resources among member states. Due to the complexity of the international situation, a win-win mode has been accepted by all. And only with this mode can challenges be met.