The Commonwealth of Independent States

The Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) and the Central Asian Republics
The Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) is an international organization created following the
dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991. It includes former Soviet republics and was meant to foster
cooperation in areas such as trade, military, and political matters. The Central Asian republics, which consist
of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan, play a crucial role in the dynamics of
the CIS. These countries, located in the heart of Asia, share a common Soviet legacy but have developed
distinct political, economic, and social identities after their independence. Understanding the relationship
between the CIS and the Central Asian republics requires an exploration of the history, objectives,
challenges, and current dynamics of both the CIS and the Central Asian region.
 Historical Context: The Formation of the CIS

The dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991 marked a significant shift in the geopolitical landscape of the
world. The 15 Soviet republics that once formed part of the U.S.S.R. were left to navigate a new world order.
With the collapse of centralized Soviet authority, these republics were confronted with the challenge of
establishing independent nation-states, managing their economies, and dealing with a multitude of social and
ethnic issues. In this context, the CIS was formed as a loose political and economic union that aimed to
preserve some form of cooperation among the former Soviet states.
The CIS was officially established on December 8, 1991, through the signing of the Alma-Ata Protocol by
the leaders of Russia, Ukraine, and Belarus. Shortly thereafter, many other former Soviet republics joined
the organization. The goal was to promote mutual coordination and assistance in areas such as defense, trade,
and diplomacy. However, the CIS was never designed to be a fully integrated political union like the
European Union, and its effectiveness in fostering true cooperation has been debated over the years.
 The Role of Central Asian Republics in the CIS

The Central Asian republics—Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan—were
part of the Soviet Union but have distinct histories, cultures, and political structures. Upon gaining
independence, these countries faced unique challenges and opportunities, and their relationship with the CIS
has varied over time.
 Kazakhstan: As the largest and most economically developed Central Asian republic, Kazakhstan's
role in the CIS has been significant. The country’s strategic location, vast natural resources (especially
energy), and economic ties with Russia make it a key player in regional and CIS affairs. Kazakhstan has
been relatively active within the CIS, participating in various joint initiatives, particularly in trade and
security. However, Kazakhstan has also been keen to balance its relations with Russia and the West,
often seeking to diversify its foreign policy to avoid excessive dependence on any one power.
 Kyrgyzstan: Kyrgyzstan has had a more fluctuating relationship with the CIS. Initially, it was an active
member, participating in regional security frameworks like the Collective Security Treaty Organization
(CSTO) and economic initiatives. However, political instability and frequent changes in leadership have
influenced Kyrgyzstan’s stance. The country has oscillated between pursuing closer ties with Russia and
exploring relations with the West and China, particularly in terms of economic cooperation and security.
 Tajikistan: Tajikistan’s situation is complicated by its history of civil war (1992–1997) and ongoing
challenges with poverty, drug trafficking, and extremism. Tajikistan has relied heavily on Russia for
military and economic support and has been an active participant in the CIS, particularly in the context
of regional security. Tajikistan shares close ties with Russia, which has a military base in the country,
and is a member of the CSTO. However, it has also sought economic support from other international
organizations and donors.
 Turkmenistan: Turkmenistan has taken a more independent stance within the CIS framework. Unlike
its neighbors, Turkmenistan has pursued a policy of "permanent neutrality" since gaining independence.
This policy has led Turkmenistan to limit its involvement in the CIS and other multilateral organizations,
focusing instead on bilateral relations and maintaining a neutral foreign policy. Its relative isolation has
been marked by an emphasis on preserving political autonomy and controlling its natural gas resources,
one of the largest reserves in the world.
 Uzbekistan: Uzbekistan has been a somewhat reluctant participant in the CIS. Although initially active
in the early years of independence, Uzbekistan withdrew from the CIS’s formal structures in 2012 under
the leadership of Islam Karimov, reflecting a desire for greater independence from Russia and regional
institutions. Since the death of Karimov in 2016, Uzbekistan under President Shavkat Mirziyoyev has
sought to rebuild relations with its neighbors and the CIS, with an emphasis on regional cooperation,
trade, and security.
 Objectives and Achievements of the CIS

The primary objectives of the CIS were to promote economic cooperation, security, and cultural exchange
among the former Soviet republics. Over the years, several initiatives have been launched in these areas,
with varying degrees of success.
 Economic Cooperation: The CIS has made some progress in fostering economic cooperation among its
members. The establishment of the Commonwealth of Independent States Free Trade Area (CISFTA) in
2011 aimed to facilitate trade among member states by removing tariffs and trade barriers. However,
economic integration has been limited by political tensions, differences in economic policies, and the
varying levels of development among member states. For example, Kazakhstan and Russia have sought
closer economic ties through other regional organizations, such as the Eurasian Economic Union
(EAEU), which is seen as a more robust framework for economic cooperation than the CIS.
 Security Cooperation: The CIS has also been involved in security matters, particularly through the
CSTO, a military alliance that includes several Central Asian republics, Russia, and Armenia. The
CSTO was created to address regional security threats, including terrorism, extremism, and organized
crime. However, the effectiveness of the CSTO has been questioned, particularly with regard to its
ability to manage conflicts within the region, such as the war in Afghanistan and the ongoing instability
in parts of Central Asia.
 Political Cooperation: Politically, the CIS has faced significant challenges due to the differing interests
of its member states. While some countries have sought to maintain strong ties with Russia, others have
pursued more independent foreign policies. The lack of political integration within the CIS has often led
to tensions between member states, and the organization has struggled to define a clear political vision
for the future.
 Challenges Facing the CIS and Central Asia

Despite the efforts to maintain cooperation, the CIS has faced significant challenges over the years, both
internally and externally. One of the key challenges is the divergent political and economic systems among
its members. Some countries, such as Russia and Kazakhstan, have embraced market-oriented reforms and
more democratic forms of governance (albeit limited), while others, particularly in Central Asia, have been
characterized by authoritarian regimes with limited political freedoms.
Regional conflicts and instability also pose a major challenge to the CIS, particularly in Central Asia. Issues
such as border disputes, ethnic tensions, and the rise of extremism in countries like Tajikistan and
Kyrgyzstan have often strained cooperation. Furthermore, the influence of external powers such as China,
the U.S., and the European Union has complicated the geopolitical landscape, as countries in Central Asia
seek to balance their relationships with these powers while maintaining ties with Russia through the CIS.
 Conclusion
The Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) was established to promote cooperation among the former
Soviet republics, including the Central Asian republics. While the CIS has made some strides in fostering
economic and security cooperation, its effectiveness has been limited by the diverse political systems,
economic conditions, and strategic interests of its members. The Central Asian republics, in particular, have
played a significant role in the organization's dynamics, balancing their relationships with Russia, China,
and the West. Moving forward, the future of the CIS will depend on the ability of its member states to
overcome internal and external challenges and find a shared vision for regional cooperation.

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The Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) and the Central Asian Republics

 Historical Context: The Formation of the CIS

 The Role of Central Asian Republics in the CIS

 Objectives and Achievements of the CIS

 Challenges Facing the CIS and Central Asia

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