The New Great Game in Central Asia: Pakistan's Interests in the Regional Power Play

The New Great Game is a power struggle for dominance and geopolitical supremacy in Central Asia, to control energy reserves, establish monopoly over supply routes and capture lucrative high-stakes energy projects. The huge energy reserves of Central Asia have paradoxically become a bone of contention, fostering an uncooperative environment, fuelling political differences, and exacerbating high-stakes power politics, thereby jeopardizing the collaborative relationships among the regional and global stakeholders. The primary objective of this research article is to undertake a comprehensive comparative analysis of the competing interests of Pakistan alongside with those of regional players including China, Russia, and India through examining the intricacies of convergence and divergence of their engagement in the region. The theoretical framework of Geopolitics provides a nuanced lens to contextualize regional dynamics, explain and analyse the patterns of cooperation and competition of different players in Central Asia. The paper argues that Pakistan’s interests in Central Asia can be best served by harmonizing its policy with China and Russia, and forming cooperative partnerships with Iran and Turkey. This research paper will equip Pakistan’s policymakers and diplomats with a deeper understanding of the competing interests enabling informed decision-making to achieve strategic and political objectives.