After the collapse of the Soviet Union, Central Asia became a playground for the ‘modern great game’ between and among different powers, with Russia, China, the United States, the European Union, Turkey, Iran, and India playing major roles. In the current scenario, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries have also begun to exert their influence.Great powers are interested in Central Asia because it is at a strategically important crossroads through which the main economic corridors initiated by different countries pass, connecting the East with the West, as well as the North with the South. The region possesses vast quantities of energy resources, adding to its importance on the global stage.Russia continues to play an important role in ensuring stability and security for Central Asia. It has well developed political and economic relations with regional states. With different bilateral treaties, all countries, expect Turkmenistan, are allies of Russia. Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan are members of the Russia-led Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO). Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan are also members of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU).The West has established varied channels to showcase its influence in the region, particularly providing financial aid and promoting democratic values. The United States has sought to involve the regional countries in its New Silk Road (NSR) project. This region is vital for NATO to supply equipment to its troops in Afghanistan. The European Union is linking Asia through its Transport Corridor Europe- Caucasus-Asia (TRACECA), in which all the Central Asian countries are members. India’s focus on economic growth has strengthened its cooperation with the region, especially through the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC), which also provides an opportunity for Central Asia to gain access to the vast Indian market.Turkey and Iran also have political and economic interests in the region but with differing influence. While Turkey’s influence is on the upswing, internationally-isolated Iran’s role as a great power in Central Asia has diminished considerably.China is making huge gains by strengthening its economic, logistical and political links in this volatile and resource-rich region, which could intensify the great power competition. The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) plays an important role in contributing to the stability and security of Central Asian countries and Afghanistan. Moving forward, it would be particularly tricky for the SCO to ensure a balance amid colliding interests between and among its members, but it could also serve as an opportunity to extend the organization's geographic sphere of influence, thus enhancing the authority of the SCO.Finally, the GCC countries are new players in Central Asian affairs, but there is huge potential for both regions to collaborate in energy, trade, political, and security sectors. Notably, the Silk Road Economic Belt (SREB, the mainland component of China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI)), the INSTC and the Ashgabat Agreement could facilitate links between the two regions. The UAE’s new World Logistics Passport (WLP), for example, could serve as an important bridge between the countries of the two regions.All these developments are bound to impact the Gulf countries’ interests both positively and otherwise, which this paper analyzes
