The Changing Global Security Landscape and Its Impact on Russia and Central Asia Relations

The recent changes of the global security landscape marked by Russia’s Special Military Operation in Ukraine, the revival of terrorism and extremism from Afghanistan, and the Taliban's return to power have significantly impacted on Russia’s strategic engagement with Central Asia. These developments have underscored the region’s growing geostrategic significance and the urgency for cooperative security frameworks. This study explores the evolving nature of Russia's role in Central Asia’s security architecture and the strategic responses of Central Asian republics to shifting global power dynamics. The first chapter examines Russia’s continuing institutional dominance in the region’s security architecture, particularly through multilateral organizations such as the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO), mutual military agreements, and regional labor migration ties. Despite growing influence of other global actors, Russia continues to function as the region’s principal security guarantor, leveraging its geographic proximity, institutional presence, and longstanding ties.