FORMATION OF THE CENTRAL ASIAN VECTOR OF US FOREIGN POLICY: FROM STRATEGIC INTEREST TO ADAPTIVE MODELS

Abstract

The article is based on the analysis of trends in the formation and implementation of the Central Asian direction of the US foreign policy in accordance with certain stages and specifics of the post-bipolar period. The article examines the formation of a comprehensive understanding of US policy in the post-Soviet space, as well as the specifics of relations between the United States and the Central Asian countries in the context of cause-and-effect relationships that determined the implementation of the American policy in the region in previous periods and determine its nature at the present stage. The article argues that US policy towards the Central Asian countries has not acquired a progressive character. The author analyzes the variability of US approaches to policy in the post-Soviet space of Central Asia, taking into account both external (global international relations) and internal (related to the specifics of the CIS countries) factors. Particular attention is paid to the competition between major powers - the United States, Russia and China - for military and economic influence in the region, as well as the problems of democratization, which complicate the expansion and strengthening of the American presence. The revival of contacts between the United States and Central Asian countries during the presidency of D. Trump is considered in the context of potential cooperation in the energy sector, which is of mutual interest to the parties. This prospect is actualized against the background of globalization trends and regional challenges.