Central Asia in the Geopolitical Crossfire: Strategic Alignments Amidst the Russo-Ukrainian Conflict

Abstract This study explores the evolving cooperation perspectives of Central Asian states against the backdrop of an ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine. This protracted conflict has triggered regional and global geopolitical shifts, prompting reassessment of the roles and strategies of the various global and regional actors. Focusing on Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan and Tajikistan, this research employs the argumentative framework of Political Discourse Analysis to examine the prospects for cooperative actions drawing insights from five Central Asian leaders’ 2022 speech in Cholpan-Ata. Guided by the shelter-seeking foreign policy strategy, the findings reveal Central Asian leaders’ commitment to pursuing a cohesive regional strategy as an immediate necessity to address shared challenges, including security, economic and infrastructural development and water resource management to promote enhanced cooperation within the region. The study advocates for taking proactive, tangible, and assertive policy measures to realize the proposed actions, emphasizing the importance of a unified approach in navigating the complex geopolitical dynamics.