Ramakrushna Pradhan

Geopolitics of Central Asia: China-u.s. Engagement Ramakrushna Pradhan

'Geopolitics of Central Asia: China-US Engagement' signifies the increasing engagement of US and China over the geopolitical landscape of Central Asia just not keeping an eye on the natural resources and geo-strategic position of the region but to draw out a balance of power in Asia by engaging each other. Central Asia as a single geographical entity consists five republics of the former Soviet Union, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan. The landmass always known as 'heartland' has been recognised as the region of strategic importance, because of its critical position at the crossroads of Russia, China and the Islamic World. Its importance has been further accentuated with the presence of huge hub of untaped energy resources in the region. Whether part of Mackinder's World Island, Spykman's Rimland or Cohen's Shatterblt region, Central Asia has always been seen as a region of strategic importance for global powers and has generated tremendous global interests. The present book is an endeavour to look into the growing U. S.-China involvement in Central Asia and their policy implications on the local and regional security.