CENTRAL ASIA AS AN OBJECT OF CONFRONTATION BETWEEN RUSSIA AND THE UNITED STATES A. NIYAZI Candidate of Historical Sciences The collapse of the Soviet Union caused a major economic catastrophe in Central Asia (CA). Indicators of economic decline in the region in the 90s of the last century significantly exceeded the indicators of the great depression of the United States in 1929-1933.1 Hopes for rapid prosperity in the conditions of independence were not justified. Many factories, factories, production associations and entire industrial complexes connected by a single technological chain with enterprises of other republics are still unable to get back on their feet. Foreign investment, with a few exceptions, does not yet produce tangible results, if we understand the life of ordinary citizens as such. The current Central Asian republics differ in the pace and methods of economic reforms, in the greater or lesser presence of market relations, democratic or authoritarian elements of government, in the structure of the economy, and in the rootedness of traditional relations. In addition, tensions continue to persist between individual Central Asian states due to regional rivalries. There are disagreements on trade and economic cooperation, the delimitation and protection of State borders, the distribution of water and energy resources, the movement of citizens, and transport and transit. At the same time, the steady trend of rapprochement between the Central Asian republics and the Russian Federation is encouraging. Their peoples retain a mostly benevolent attitude towards Russia, and the legacy of Russian and Soviet culture continues to have a significant impact on public life and on the behavior of politicians in all Central Asian states without exception. Russia, which is growing stronger economically and politically, will undoubtedly remain a natural center of attraction for them and will play an increasingly important role in integration processes. In the long run, ... Read more