Emerging Partners of Central Asia: Engagement of Small and Middle Powers

This book presents a fresh perspective on the geopolitics of Central Asia by shifting attention from great powers such as Russia, China, and the United States to the growing role of small and middle powers. It examines how states including South Korea, Japan, Turkey, Iran, Israel, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Pakistan, India, Brazil, Argentina, Mexico, Gulf countries, and Southeast Asian nations interact with the region through economic cooperation, security ties, and cultural diplomacy. By analyzing these often-overlooked actors, the volume fills a critical gap in international relations and Central Asian studies. It highlights how smaller states shape regional stability, economic growth, and geopolitical competition, while adopting strategies that reflect both opportunity and constraint. Bringing together leading scholars from multiple disciplines, the book offers valuable insights into foreign policy, economic initiatives, and soft power engagement. It will serve as an essential resource for scholars, policymakers, and students seeking to understand Central Asia's evolving dynamics.