Does the U.S. Strategy for Central Asia Address the Region’s Current Problems?

In February 2020, the State Department published a public version of the U.S strategy for Central Asia, which placed particular emphasis on supporting Afghanistan and democracy in the region, in addition to economic goals. Since then, Central Asia has experienced numerous unforeseen upheavals, including the COVID-19 pandemic; election unrest and regime change in Kyrgyzstan; a violent border conflict between Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan; the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan and subsequent Taliban takeover; and protests over fuel prices in Kazakhstan earlier this month that quickly turned violent, leading to the first deployment of multinational forces under the Russian-led Collective Security Treaty Organization.

U.S. leverage and presence in the region has diminished significantly since the strategy was adopted. In order to achieve its strategic goals in Central Asia, U.S engagement will have to adapt to these recent upheavals — especially as Russia and China compete for influence in the region.

Join USIP for a discussion of what a strategy for Central Asia could look like going forward given the significant change and uncertainty in the region. The conversation will examine how the United States can contribute to greater stability and promote common interests while making progress on strategic goals.

For more information about this event, and to RSVP, visit

Speakers:

Lesslie Viguerie, introductory remarks

Deputy Assistant Secretary for Central Asian and Pakistan Affairs, U.S. Department of State

Gavin Helf, moderator

Senior Expert, Central Asia, U.S. Institute of Peace

Ambassador (Ret.) Richard Hoagland

Chair, Security and Politics Program, Caspian Policy Center; Former U.S Ambassador to Kazakhstan

Jennifer Murtazashvili

Associate Professor and Director, Center for Governance and Markets, University of Pittsburgh

S. Frederick Starr

Chairman, Central Asia-Caucasus Institute

Navbahor Imamova

Multimedia Journalist, Voice of America’s Uzbek Service

Donald Jensen

Director, Russia and Strategic Stability, U.S. Institute of Peace

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The United States Institute of Peace is a national, nonpartisan, independent institute, founded by Congress and dedicated to the proposition that a world without violent conflict is possible, practical and essential for U.S. and global security. In conflict zones abroad, the Institute works with local partners to prevent, mitigate, and resolve violent conflict. To reduce future crises and the need for costly interventions, USIP works with governments and civil societies to build local capacities to manage conflict peacefully. The Institute pursues its mission by linking research, policy, training, analysis and direct action to support those who are working to build a more peaceful, inclusive world. Learn more about USIP