The US is rolling out its new “Stans” strategy, with a high-level summit between the president and the five Central Asian leaders planned for November 6 in Washington.
This increased engagement, confirmed by the Kazakh and Kyrgyz presidents, comes amid a major shift in regional alliances. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has prompted the C5 to look for new partners.
The US is not alone in this pursuit. China, the EU, and Russia have all held similar summits this year, each aiming to solidify their influence.
The region is a key strategic prize. It holds vast reserves of natural resources, including rare earths, and is positioned as a potential land bridge for trade between Europe and Asia.
This summit signals that the US is actively competing for a primary role in the region’s future, offering an alternative to Beijing and Moscow.