ABSTRACT
U.S. policy towards Central Asia has progressed through three phases. From 1991 to 2001, Washington sought to establish sovereignty and independence for the newly independent states, secure nuclear weapons and materials located in the former Soviet republics, assist in the transition towards more democratic and market-oriented systems, and promote opportunities for American businesses. In the second phase (2001–2014) security concerns dominated as Central Asia became a key staging point for America’s campaign in Afghanistan following the 11 September 2001 terrorist attacks. U.S. bases in Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan, overflight rights and transportation networks were instrumental in the initial phase of the war under George W. Bush, and during the surge implemented by the Obama administration. In the third phase, from 2014 to the present, Washington’s policy was focused on enlisting Central Asian support for U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan. Fatigue with the conflicts in Afghanistan and the Middle East, and reduced interest in democracy promotion, may be leading to a gradual disengagement from Central Asia.
