Inter-regionalism and strategic adaptation in Central Asia: economic development and geopolitical resilience in a multipolar order

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Central Asia’s fragmented regional landscape has long challenged traditional models of regionalism, constrained by Soviet legacies, sovereignty sensitivities and external rivalries. This article argues that inter-regionalism offers a more suitable framework for understanding cooperation in the region. Rather than seeking deep integration, inter-regionalism enables pragmatic, project-based collaboration across multiple organizations, including the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) and Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO). By leveraging overlapping memberships and flexible alignments, Central Asian states reduce duplication, mitigate geopolitical tensions and pursue diversified partnerships without compromising autonomy. Drawing on policy documents, institutional agreements and expert insights, the study demonstrates how inter-regional mechanisms – such as SCO–EAEU coordination or EU–Central Asia dialogues – foster connectivity and resilience and harmonize trade. Recent shifts, including Uzbekistan’s regional re-engagement and Russia’s reduced influence following the Ukraine war, have further accelerated this trend. The analysis situates inter-regionalism within broader international relations debates on regional cooperation, showing how Central Asia exemplifies adaptive and layered forms of governance beyond conventional integration models. The article concludes that inter-regionalism not only underpins the region’s economic and security strategies but also positions Central Asia as a pivotal bridge in an increasingly multipolar order.