On Wednesday, 15 October 2025, SpecialEurasia held a webinar to present the book Geopolitics of Central Asia (Geopolitica dell’Asia centrale in Italian), a collective volume derived from the organisation’s long-term research project on the region.
The publication gathers the contributions of seven authors, each addressing distinct but interrelated aspects of Central Asia’s developing geopolitical landscape. Four of the contributors – Giuliano Bifolchi, Silvia Boltuc, Stefano Vernole, and Riccardo Rossi – participated in the event, offering their analyses and insights into the major themes explored in the volume.
Overview and Key Themes
Giuliano Bifolchi introduced the book (currently published only in Italian), emphasising its purpose to delineate the geopolitical imperatives and structural constraints shaping Central Asia. He underscored the persistent difficulties encountered by the Central Asian republics, particularly their landlocked status and restricted access to international markets. These factors compel the states of the region to adopt proactive foreign policies to secure trade corridors and alternative routes for exports and imports. Bifolchi also underlined the strategic importance of maritime connectivity through external partners such as Iran and Pakistan, despite sanctions and instability, as well as potential linkages through India via the International North–South Transport Corridor (INSTC).
In addressing the management of natural resources, particularly water, Bifolchi drew attention to the tensions arising between upstream and downstream states. For Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan, hydropower generation represents a key economic and energy priority, while downstream countries – Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan – rely heavily on water for agriculture. Mismanagement or unilateral projects risk aggravating regional frictions and undermining stability.
Regional and External Dynamics
Silvia Boltuc examined Iran’s developing posture towards Central Asia. She contextualised Tehran’s policy within its broader strategic realignment following the collapse of the Soviet Union. While Iran initially sought to leverage cultural and religious affinities, the leadership under Ebrahim Raisi and now Masoud Pezeshkian has reoriented its approach towards pragmatic engagement and economic cooperation. Western sanctions have constrained Iran’s external outreach, rendering Central Asia a natural arena for expanding trade and influence amid shifting dynamics in the South Caucasus and the Middle East.
Stefano Vernole analysed China’s regional strategy, focusing on its role within the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO). Chinese investments in infrastructure and connectivity projects have positioned Beijing as a central actor in Central Asia’s economic transformation. Vernole also discussed the challenges linked to Beijing’s regional presence, including local sensitivities concerning the Uyghur issue and the socio-economic implications of Chinese labour migration.
Riccardo Rossi concluded the discussion with an assessment of India’s interests in Central Asia. Despite geographical disconnection, New Delhi has deepened its engagement through multilateral frameworks such as the SCO and BRICS, while pursuing energy and trade partnerships. The region’s proximity to Afghanistan and Pakistan, coupled with China’s assertive presence, makes Central Asia strategically significant for New Delhi’s broader foreign policy objectives.
Other Geopolitical Dimensions
The book also examines Russia’s multifaceted involvement in the region – political, military, and cultural. Moscow maintains military installations, notably near Dushanbe in Tajikistan, and leverages the Collective Security Treaty Organisation (CSTO) and cultural diplomacy to sustain its influence.
The book considers Turkey’s growing activism, supported by pan-Turkic initiatives, an attempt to merge an alternative regional bloc connecting the Turkic Central Asia republics with Ankara and its closest ally Azerbaijan.
A specific chapter examines Afghanistan’s changing position after the Taliban’s reinstatement, especially considering Russia’s diplomatic endorsement and China’s economic focus on Afghan resources. The country’s stability remains crucial for Central Asia, with each neighbouring republic adopting distinct policies – from Tajikistan’s security-oriented approach to Turkmenistan’s pursuit of energy projects such as the TAPI pipeline.
The book and the webinar discussed the European Union’s renewed engagement in Central Asia, especially following the EU–Central Asia Summit in Samarkand in April 2025. The book explores the strategies of key EU member states – notably Italy, France, and Germany – in strengthening their economic and diplomatic ties with the region.
Discussion and Conclusions
During the question-and-answer session, participants addressed the roles of the United States and the United Kingdom. Washington, particularly under the Trump administration, has sought to project soft power and enhance economic cooperation through trade and technology partnerships. London continues to pursue diplomatic influence through coordination with European and US counterparts, although conducting also conducts a personal foreign policy.
The webinar concluded after an hour, responding to questions on regional security. The authors also discussed political stability. The session reaffirmed that the “Great Game” remains active, as multiple powers – regional and global – continue to compete for influence in this pivotal area of Eurasia.
The event successfully underscored Geopolitics of Central Asia as a comprehensive and timely contribution to understanding the strategic transformations reshaping the heart of the Eurasian continent.
