CENTRAL ASIA AT THE CROSSROADS OF GLOBAL INTERESTS: THE CONTEMPORARY DIMENSION OF GEOPOLITICS

This article examines the growing geopolitical interest in Central Asia from major global and regional actors, including Russia, the United States, China, the European Union, Turkey, and the Arab states. The study focuses on the strategies and instruments these actors use to strengthen their influence in the region through economic, political, cultural, and security mechanisms. Special attention is given to the dynamics of external involvement and the competition for political and economic dominance in Central Asia. Based on the conducted analysis, the article formulates recommendations related to possible directions for strengthening the positions of Central Asian states amid increasing international competition.