This book presents a fresh perspective on the geopolitics of Central Asia by shifting attention from great powers such as Russia, China, and the United States to the growing role of small and middle powers. It examines how states including South Korea, Japan, Turkey, Iran, Israel, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Pakistan, India, Brazil, Argentina, Mexico, Gulf countries, and Southeast Asian nations interact with the region through economic cooperation, security ties, and cultural diplomacy. By analyzing these often-overlooked actors, the volume fills a critical gap in international relations and Central Asian studies. It highlights how smaller states shape regional stability, economic growth, and geopolitical competition, while adopting strategies that reflect both opportunity and constraint. Bringing together leading scholars from multiple disciplines, the book offers valuable insights into foreign policy, economic initiatives, and soft power engagement. It will serve as an essential resource for scholars, policymakers, and students seeking to understand Central Asia's evolving dynamics.
Dr. Mehmet Fatih Oztarsu is Assistant Professor at Joongbu University and Senior Researcher at Hankuk University of Foreign Studies. He has worked as a journalist and academic in Baku, Yerevan, Tbilisi, and Seoul, and published extensively on South Caucasus and Central Asian affairs.
Prof. Dr. Bongchul Kim is Professor of Law at Hankuk University of Foreign Studies and Managing Director of the HUFS Jean Monnet EU Centre. He earned his Ph.D. from King's College London, and his research focuses on international legal issues and comparative regional studies.
