Evolution of military policy in Central Asian States in the Post-Soviet period: Between the legacy of the USSR and new threats

The study aimed to examine changes in the military policies of Central Asian countries, with a focus on the Kyrgyz Republic, after the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991. The research used content analysis of the Kyrgyz military doctrine and national security concept, comparative analysis of the military doctrines of Central Asian countries – Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan – and a case study approach on the border conflict with Tajikistan in April-May 2021 and the six-day armed conflict with Tajikistan in September 2022. The results showed that after the collapse of the Soviet Union, Kyrgyzstan faced challenges such as fragmented military infrastructure, resource insufficiency, and cross-border conflict risks. These risks led to a revision of the military doctrine and national security strategy between 2021 and 2023. A distinctive feature of the changed military policy is the pursuit of neutrality, peaceful conflict resolution, and a focus on the transformation of threats – hybrid, informational, and cyber. Unlike other Central Asian countries, the military budget of the Kyrgyz Republic is limited to 1.5% of gross domestic product, which motivates the country to avoid an arms race and opt for a more technological approach to national security. The lack of funds for large-scale rearmament is compensated by Kyrgyzstan’s participation in international alliances and military exercises and its agreement to maintain limited foreign presence. The experience of Kyrgyzstan can be used to prevent cross-border conflicts, create an integrated security system, and ensure stable regional development