Global Security Briefing A New US Approach to the Caspian Region?
Nov 26, 2025
Dr. Eric Rudenshiold, a key voice on Caspian geopolitics and former NSC Director for Central Asia, shares insights on the evolving dynamics in the region. He discusses how Russia's Ukraine invasion has fostered greater cooperation among Central Asian states. With a focus on the Middle Corridor and the shifting influences of Russia and China, he assesses the role of new leadership in driving regional integration. Rudenshiold also explores the implications of renewed US engagement for future stability and economic opportunities.
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Caspian Becoming A Strategic Bridge
- The Caspian no longer divides Central Asia and the South Caucasus; it increasingly links them via a new middle corridor.
- Countries now cooperate regionally to build connectivity and economic sovereignty rather than remain siloed.
Overlapping Great-Power Influence
- Russia and China now create an overlapping mosaic of influence rather than a tidy division of roles.
- Central Asian states exploit this rivalry to gain leverage and diversify partnerships.
Russia's Role Is Recalibrating
- Russian influence has weakened structurally but retains important levers like remittances and energy interdependence.
- Central Asian leaders are recalibrating relations and no longer treat Moscow as the automatic guarantor.