Security regionalism in Central Asia

Abstract

The aim of this thesis is to provide an examination of regional security cooperation in Central Asia. The last resurgence of regionalism became a driving force for regional cooperation in Central Asia. In this process, the role of major powers, regional security threats and international system is very crucial. The aim of this thesis is to provide a deep assessment of these determinants. Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO), Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), NATO Partnership for Peace (PfP) and small Central Asian regional security initiatives were evaluated in this thesis. Due to that, the role of three major powers, Russia, the US and China in Central Asian regional security is studied in this work. iv This thesis emphasized on the current developments especially after the September 11 attacks. The US operation on Afghanistan following September 11 attacks accelerated regional cooperation in Central Asia. Contrary to the mainstream literature based on realist theory, focus on the competition between major powers for influence in the Central Asian region. This thesis argues that Central Asian security needs and major powers pragmatic concerns in the region coincide with the increasing regionalism approaches in the world politics. This coincidence will increase regional cooperation on security affairs. Moreover, major power cooperation will replace major powers competition in order to provide stability and security in the world and particularly in Central Asia.