A Critical View on Major Integration Projects of Great Economic Powers in Central Asia

In the current global environment shaped by the international economic crisis consequences and by the geostrategic tensions between the Russian Federation, USA and China, the countries from Central Asia have an increasing relevance for these Great Economic Powers. Being landlocked, rich in energy resources, but lacking infrastructure, these countries are open to international initiatives, but somehow reluctant towards any project that could endanger their newly gained independence. Analysing the literature, statistical data and the national strategies of the countries involved, our paper assesses the various interests of Russian Federation, China and USA towards the Central Asian countries, focusing on multilateral trade, memberships to international organizations and border issues. In this regard, our analysis is centred on the economic impact of three main economic integrating projects focusing on the Central Asian Countries, namely: the Silk Road Economic Belt (China), the New Silk Road Strategy (USA) and Eurasian Union (Russian Federation) and tries to identify the success rate of each project on the basis of scoring method.