Great Power Competition in Central Asia: A Conversation with Theresa Sabonis-Helf

In this episode, we discuss China’s growing influence and involvement in Central Asia as it seeks to implement its ambitious Belt and Road Initiative. Professor Theresa Sabonis-Helf joins us to speak about the various development projects currently taking place in the region and how Chinese involvement in the region has affected Chinese-Russian relations, the role of the United States, and the priorities and points of contention for each of these larger powers in the region. Dr. Theresa Sabonis-Helf is a professor of National Security Strategy at the National War College and an Adjunct Associate Professor for the Science, Technology and International Affairs Program of the Georgetown University School of Foreign Service. Dr. Sabonis-Helf advises governments on climate change policies, post-Soviet energy and environmental issues, regional energy trade, and the politics of electricity. The views expressed here are those of Dr. Sabonis-Helf alone. They in no way represent the policies or positions of the U.S. National Defense University, the Department of Defense, or any other organization of the U.S. government.