Power Politics in the Central Asian Region: The Interests of the US, Europe and China

Abstract

In 1904, Halford Mackinder called the Eurasian steppes “the heartland of the world”. Owing to the natural resources and the strategic location of the region, Russia, China, the US and the European powers have entered into an intense contest for influence in the region. This power play is sometimes referred as the “new Great Game” bringing back memories of the “Great Game” between the Russian and British empires for control over the region extending from Afghanistan to Central Asia.