Central Asia and Southeast Asia

This book explores Central Asia's relationship with Southeast Asia and ASEAN. It examines the Southeast Asian vector in the Central Asian countries' mostly multi-vector foreign policies and the key dynamics that are transforming interregional relations into one of greater engagement. It argues that Central Asian states are interested in developing stronger ties with Southeast Asian countries, amongst others, as part of their hedging strategy in order to diversify their foreign economic relations and to lessen their overdependence on neighbouring great powers. It also looks at Central Asian views of ASEAN as a successful model of regionalism and as a hedging platform for Central Asian states to collectively manage relations with external powers.

Offers insights into institutional, bilateral, and multilateral dimensions of ASEAN-Central Asia relations Is written from a practitioner's perspective Features interview with diplomats and experts in the region, including Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and Kyrgystan

Autorentext
Paradorn Rangsimaporn is a Thai diplomat and independent researcher.

Inhalt

1. Introduction.- 2. Southeast Asia in Central Asia's foreign relations.- 3. The key drivers of greater engagement.- 4. The ASEAN model for Central Asian regionalism.- 5. Conclusion.