Central Asia as the New Chessboard: Connectivity and Great Power Rivalry

Abstract

The countries of Central Asia were formerly seen as a major security threat to the United States, but in recent years, that perception has changed to one of necessity. The geopolitical and geostrategic landscape of Central Asia, which has been profoundly altered by the United States' ability to exercise military power in the region, must be well understood by policymakers. Furthermore, as opposing forces gain and lose prominence, the Central Asian landscape is constantly changing according to the interests of neighboring powers and the countries themselves. The enduring ideas of Sir Halford Mackinder's Heartland Theory have prompted a careful examination of their significance in the complex field of modern world geopolitics. This academic paper investigates how these ideas fit into the changing modern environment. According to the Heartland Theory, the Middle East could have a big impact on countries. This essay explores this idea and how it came to be during past international power battles. Nonetheless, there have been substantial changes to the global geopolitical environment, including the development of new powerful organizations, economic interdependence, and technological breakthroughs.