New ‘Great Game’: US to Host Central Asian Leaders Amid Superpower Scramble

A high-stakes diplomatic summit is reportedly scheduled for November 6 in Washington, where the US president is set to host leaders from Central Asia’s five nations. This move is seen as the latest chapter in a modern “Great Game,” with major world powers vying for influence in the strategically vital region.
The meeting, confirmed by the presidents of Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan, underscores a significant diplomatic push by the United States. It comes as Russia’s long-standing dominance in the area is being re-evaluated following its invasion of Ukraine.
China and the European Union have also intensified their engagement, hosting their own summits with the Central Asian presidents earlier this year. This flurry of high-level meetings highlights the region’s growing importance on the global stage.
The five former Soviet states—Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan—are at a crossroads. They are actively seeking to diversify their partnerships beyond their traditional reliance on Moscow.
Rich in natural resources, including valuable rare earths, and positioned as a potential logistics hub for East-West trade, Central Asia represents a significant economic and strategic prize. This Washington summit is a clear signal of America’s intention to be a key player in its future.