A new security architecture in Central Asia: The necessity of a unified approach to shared threats within an emerging regional structure

ABSTRACT:

At a time when the global order is undergoing significant transformation, states are facing considerable challenges in adapting to the processes of globalization. This has, in turn, increased the importance of regional structures and cooperation frameworks. A similar dynamic is serving as a driving force behind the integration of Central Asian states. Although the initial steps in this direction were taken in 2017, the process did not initially develop into a fully institutionalized mechanism due to certain interruptions. However, the Consultative Meetings of the Central Asian Heads of State have now reached a stage where only the final steps remain toward attaining the status of a formal institutional structure. The acceleration of this process has been further reinforced by various emerging risks and threats, which increasingly demonstrate that regional challenges can no longer be effectively addressed without coordinated regional mechanisms. As these developments continue to evolve, there is growing confidence that such issues can be resolved through regional agreements. Ultimately, the completion of this process is expected to open new and broader opportunities for the Central Asian states in the future.

Keywords: Central Asia, globalization, regional structure, integration, institutionalization, United Nations (UN), General Assembly, European Union, hydropower, border, delimitation, demarcation, transport corridor, multimodal transport, transport logistics, C5+1, geopolitics.