In an article by American political analyst Joseph Epstein, published in 'The National Interest,' the growing strategic importance of Central Asia for the United States is examined. Epstein notes that for years, the United States was not a key player in this region, focusing primarily on human rights and democracy concerns. In contrast, Donald Trump's pragmatic approach, based on a 'business first' policy in Central Asia, is seen as clear and free from ideological theories. The war in Ukraine has mutually beneficially increased cooperation opportunities, eroding Moscow's influence as it remains bogged down in conflict, while Beijing has filled much of the void. In 2023, China surpassed Russia to become Central Asia's largest trading partner. However, regional leaders are fully aware of the risks of over-reliance on Beijing, ranging from debt-trap diplomacy to diminished sovereignty. For Washington, the benefits of close cooperation are clear. While China monopolizes the rare earth minerals market, the US urgently needs alternative sources, and Central Asia offers vast reserves and existing Soviet-era infrastructure for mining. Furthermore, the region's strategic value is not limited to minerals; it contains vital trade corridors linking East Asia with Europe, providing the US with an opportunity to diversify supply chains. Central Asia solidifies the Caspian region–Middle Corridor international transport route, linking East Asia with Europe while bypassing Russia and Iran. This corridor offers a strategic alternative to the Suez Canal and northern rail routes through Russia, especially amid global supply chain shifts and geopolitical realignment. Epstein explains that the legacy of the Silk Road today offers a different kind of opportunity: the opportunity for diplomacy. He suggests that US President Donald Trump could become the first US president to visit Central Asia, demonstrating America's readiness to play a pivotal role in the region for the first time since its independence from the Soviet Union in 1991. The region, once overlooked, is now gaining attention, with its immense mineral wealth and strategic location making it a key arena for US interests. As leaders of Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Kyrgyzistan gather in Washington for the (C5+1) summit, a presidential visit to the region would signal that the US is committed to being a major player in shaping its economic and geopolitical future. Central Asian nations are continuously seeking to capture US attention, with Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan recently signing multi-billion dollar deals with American companies to purchase Boeing aircraft and locomotors. Signed on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly, these deals are widely seen as an attempt to attract President Trump's attention. Although Azerbaijan is not technically in Central Asia, it is a major player in regional integration and has also strengthened its ties with Washington. The peace summit hosted by Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan in Washington in August, which sidelined previous mediators like Russia and the EU, and Baku's readiness to consider joining a US-backed stabilization force in Gaza, show a clear interest in forging closer ties with the United States. Azerbaijan has emerged as a regional connector, both geographically and diplomatically. Located between Russia and Iran, Baku is at the heart of the Middle Corridor, linking Central Asian markets and energy routes to Europe. For these nations, deeper engagement with Washington aligns with their multi-vector foreign policy of maintaining balanced relations with global powers to avoid dependence on any single one. US presence is significant, and America's adversaries like Russia and China understand this. A Trump visit would show that the US intends to be a pivotal player in the region's future, not a bystander. A presidential trip to the region would be a clear indicator that the US is serious about engaging with Central Asia. It is noteworthy that for thousands of years, whoever has controlled the Silk Road has controlled the wealth and influence in Central Asia.
