Policy of Russia and China in Central Asia Security Sphere: Common Features, Problems, Perspectives

Current project is an attempt to examine policy of Russia and China in Central Asia security sphere. The main aim of investigation could be stated as follows: to reveal common features and differences between policies of two countries in CA security sphere and to analyze possible scenarios of situation. Analysis is based on the conception of regional security complex theory (RSCT) advanced by B. Buzan and O. Waever: three levels of maintaining security are revealed (international, regional and country); security problems are classified according with these levels. The methods used are descriptive, chronological, the method of comparative analysis, systematic approach and the method of problematic analysis. Overall situation in CA security sphere is examined: CA is analyzed as regional subsystem of international relations and as regional security complex. Current work includes review of Russian, Western and Chinese researchers’ works that define interests of Russia and China in CA. Analysis of two countries’ policy is also based on the conception of RSC. In the process of analysis, areas of common interest are revealed: martial exercises, legal framework, common rhetoric towards different problems. Contradictions also exist; the main one is multidirectionality of two countries’ priorities: Russia concentrates on cooperation in security sphere, China – on economic integration. This work examines possible scenarios of situation developments and gives a prognosis regarding prospects of cooperation between Russia and China: in the years to come current level of cooperation will be stable but intensification of rivalry is also possible.