employee
Moskva, Moscow, Russian Federation
In recent years, the C5+1 mechanism has become a key instrument for multilateral interaction with Central Asia for many extra-regional actors, including the United States. The purpose of this article is to identify patterns in the evolution of the C5+US mechanism created in 2015, track its functional transformations, and highlight the programs put forward within its framework over the period from 2015 to 2025. The research methodology includes an analysis of documents, initiatives, and programs implemented within the C5+US mechanism, as well as an assessment of changes in Washington’s priorities. The main results of the study show that a number of Washington-funded regional programs have been initiated and are functioning within the 5+US framework; the mechanism has evolved from irregular dialogues at the ministerial level and interaction through three thematic working groups to an institutionalized format with a secretariat, summits of heads of state, the C5+1 Critical Minerals Dialogue, and the B5+1 business forums. The study’s findings highlight that the dynamics of the C5+US are determined by Washington’s geopolitical interests in Central Asia, with an emphasis on countering Moscow and Beijing’s influence there. However, the sustainability of Washington’s regional initiatives within the C5+US depends on the approach of a particular presidential administration in the US.
Central Asia, the US, C5+1 mechanism, C5+US, geopolitical interests
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