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Erfani S T. The Confrontation of the U.S., Russia, and China in the Geopolitical Network of Central Asia. SRQPIS 2025; 1 (4) :53-76
URL: http://srqpis.knu.edu.af/article-1-52-en.html

With the world’s growing economic dependence on energy resources, the increasing significance of energy-rich regions, the re-emergence of Russia as a key player in the global energy market, and the rise of China as a highly influential power in international affairs and the geopolitical network of Central Asia, competition and confrontation among major powers in this strategically important region have intensified. Longstanding struggles among global powers to control the oil and natural gas resources of Central Asia have given rise to a “new great game” between these major actors.
Russia, as a dominant player in Central Asia, and China, as a rising power and neighbor of this geopolitical network, are both seeking an active role in the region. Meanwhile, the United States, as an extra-regional power with key energy interests in the area, also seeks closer ties with the region. The key question this article explores is: Who are the main players in the power struggle over Central Asia's resources, and who is likely to prevail?
Our hypothesis is that, due to the geopolitical importance of Central Asia for the major global powers, the primary competition and confrontation in the region is among the United States, Russia, and China. The findings of this research suggest that, due to China's steadily growing power, it is poised to become the dominant actor in the region's future.