Central Asia in Transition

From Border Conflicts to Regional Cooperation

Abstract

This article examines Central Asia’s ongoing transformation from a fragmented post-Soviet space into an increasingly integrated regional bloc. It argues that while the five Central Asian states inherited disputed borders, economic disruption, and weak regional cooperation following the collapse of the Soviet Union, recent years have witnessed a significant shift toward dialogue, connectivity, and collective action. Focusing on developments since 2017, including the establishment of regular consultative meetings among regional leaders, the resolution of long-standing border disputes such as the Kyrgyzstan–Tajikistan agreement of 2025, and the expansion of cross-border trade and mobility, the article highlights the emergence of a more cooperative regional order. It further explores growing economic interdependence, rising tourism flows, major infrastructure initiatives, and the increasing use of the “Central Asia Plus” diplomatic format as evidence of a region seeking to enhance its international influence through coordination. By tracing these political, economic, and diplomatic developments, the article argues that Central Asia is undergoing a gradual but significant transition from a collection of newly independent states toward a more interconnected and self-confident regional community.