Ali Basiriniya; Amin Kooshki
Abstract
Despite having the characteristics of being a region and the existence of many incentives to achieve intra-regional convergence, Central Asia has been always deprived of the advantages ...
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Despite having the characteristics of being a region and the existence of many incentives to achieve intra-regional convergence, Central Asia has been always deprived of the advantages of regionalism. Central Asian states have preferred to join regional hierarchies and institutions led by major powers rather than trying to establish intra-regional institutions and achieve regionalism. This paper is mainly aimed at examining the external factors affecting the lack of regionalism in Central Asia and its relationship with the growth of dependent integration in this region (through the participation of Central Asian states in hierarchical regional arrangements and institutions led by major powers). This aim is to be achieved through addressing the question of "What is the basic precondition for the emergence of regionalism in Central Asia?" The initial answer is: "establishment of formal intra-regional institutions with the presence of all or most Central Asian countries in such a way as to increase their loyalty and commitment to the goals and interests of intra-regional institutions rather than to other regional and supra-regional governments and institutions is the main precondition for the emergence of regionalism in Central Asia." The paper is qualitative (descriptive-analytical) and utilizes a case study methodology. The findings, while confirming the hypothesis, also conclude that the continuing dependence of Central Asian governments on the broader and hierarchical regional arrangements and institutions led by foreign powers can gradually deprive Central Asia of its regional identity and convert it into a sub-region.
