Historically Central Asia's importance on a global level always was as a gateway and facilitator for the trade between east and west (e.g. the Sogdian traders from the 6th century BC to the 11th century AD). Following that tradition I am not sure if aligning Central Asia with one particular partner - be it the EU or Russia or China - would be such a good idea. Maybe the best way would be to link all these three major trade partners and become, once more, the facilitator of trade along the Silk Road?

But within the region I think the Central Asian states should strive for a very close cooperation with each other - free trade is certainly one aspect, but scientific cooperation, transboundary projects and common goals in fields like sustainability, or the food-water-energy-nexus are also essential for a strong regional development.

Good explanation. Thank you. Problem is that in Central Asia region leading countries of the world drive their geopolitical interests. Coming of this aspect of the problem i can confirm that bilaterial cooperation among coubtries very important and new government of Uzbekistan trying to best regional cooperation. But , Russian influence on region always sensible and obligate local governments be carefull and watch around.

Yuor idea about linking all leading countries interests in Central Asia region is respectable but how we can do it.

I recon none.

It will be politically naive for any central Asian country not to recognize and accept that Russia is a regional power there. As such, any association that enhances cooperation in economy, trade, commerce in the Eurasia region should be joined by all the countries in the region provided it is to the benefit of those countries or else those that refuse to join might find themselves in isolation. Do not forget that China's influence here is equally on the increase. It will be wise for the countries there to join such unions that enhances them economically and helps them integrate.

Very good explain, but problem is that central Asia region countries not ready for developing integration processes besides Ukraine experience showed that ignoring Russia's interests may bring about to fatal political and economical consequences. China is trying to increase its influence and for this aim it use Shanhkay organization together Russia, In this case very hard situation formed in Kazakhstan where a half of the popukation Russian speakers. So, future of region countries while uncertain from geopolitical point of view.

I agree with you totally, the central Asian region are not ripe for regional integration like you have in the European Union. But the process has to be started through regional cooperation in different fields like economy, agriculture, trade, human rights and possibly customs tariffs. They have to start cooperating regionally. It is in their own interest. They have to form their own multilateral institutions that will deal with these things.

Europe was not ripe neither when the European integration process started... After WWII, the 06 founding member states realised that international politics is much more than a zero-sum game. Of course, they had their own project (including a European Union), but they first focused on Euratom, the Coal & Steel community (at that time, binding states by coal & steel was the best way to prevent a new war...) and the EEC. It took more than 50 years to reach where we are nowadays with a European Union (but we still face challenges following internal dissent amongst the MS and the consequences of the Brexit).

The EU, Russia and China have their separate interests in the Central Asian region: Russia via the EAEU (1st step being an Eurasian regional integration, then potential partnerships with the EU could be possible...) or the Collective Security Treaty Organisation (CSTO), China not only with the Shangai Cooperation Organisation (SCO, including fighting terrorism, religious extremism and separatism) but also with its One Belt One Road (OBOR) Initiative (or BRI); and the EU with its willingness to engage with bilateral agreements (the ENPs).

To counter these trends, (some) Central Asian states relied on multivectorism (Teleuova, 2015) while dimensioning their foreign policy...

The question should therefore be:

- what type of regional development do the Central Asian states want (economic, military or political)?

- if centered on economic integration within the EAEU project, why do we only have Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan within the EAEU (Tajikistan, Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan aren't EAEU MS)?

Uzbekistan, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan while are not members of EAEU. In post SOVIET union area integration process very weak and future isn't clear. On my opinion main problem is that - may EAEU ensure integration of Central Asia region economies to world economy or not.