Paper short abstract:

Based on the regional security complex theory, I argue on the formation of a new independent RSC in Central Asia during the last 30 years. The main research question is how the developing relations with South and East Asia are changing the Central Asian regional security complex

Paper long abstract:

Central Asia was detached from the South and East Asia regions for decades. Based on the regional security complex theory, I argue on the formation of a new independent RSC in Central Asia during the last 30 years after the acquisition of sovereignty by regional countries. The main research question is how the developing relations with South and East Asia are changing the Central Asian regional security complex.

There are two hypotheses of the article. First, considering the increasing interests of China, Pakistan and India in Central Asia, the impact of the situation in Afghanistan and the development of the BRI regional security complexes of Central, South and East Asia are becoming more interdependent and penetrating. I argue that in this situation the role of geographically distant Central Asia in the stability and sustainable development of the Indo-Pacific region is significant. Second, Central Asia is no any more dominated by the post-Soviet regional security complex and it is becoming more reliant on the security of South and East Asian regions due to the substantial variety of links with them.