Vladimir Paramonov and Oleg Stolpovski: Russia And Central Asia: Multilateral Security CooperationНазад
Vladimir Paramonov and Oleg Stolpovski: Russia And Central Asia: Multilateral Security Cooperation
Key Points
* Russia has gradually become more aware of the importance of Central Asia to its own interests, and now has an interest not only in preserving the buffer status of the region but also in not allowing other states to strengthen their position there. To achieve these strategic objectives it has been necessary to push for cooperation in security matters through bilateral and multilateral arrangements.
* Multilateral cooperation is seen primarily within the framework of such organisations as the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), the Collective Security Treaty Organisation (CSTO) and the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO). The most important of these institutions in the context of Central Asian security appear to be the CSTO and the SCO.
* Central Asian states had hoped for a great deal more from cooperation with the West, particularly the USA. Disappointed that from that quarter the pursuit of deeper political reforms has been linked with criticism, most Central Asian countries now hope that Russia will help them to establish an effective system of regional security.
* The main value of the CSTO for Russia and the post-Soviet countries is that for now it is the only institution which has a specifically military dimension. The steps being taken by Russia to strengthen the CSTO and to convert it into a military and political block are consistent with the Kremlin`s policy for the post-Soviet space, the main aim of which is to increase Russia`s influence.
* Also evident are Russia`s efforts to add a military-political dimension to the SCO. It would be to Russia`s advantage to strengthen its security position in Central Asia further by involving the military resources of China and the other members and observer countries of this organisation.
* It can be assumed that Russia will continue to push for cooperation within the framework of these two organisations. The SCO is seen by Russia as the most convenient vehicle for establishing a security partnership which involves Beijing but not Washington.
