By Dr. Robert M. Cutler (7/5/2000 issue of the CACI Analyst)

BACKGROUND: There is a tendency to focus on patterns of bilateral relations in Central Asia, but dyads have dynamics different from triads, even if the triads are considered as three overlapping dyads. The eternal triangle of Russia, Iran, and Turkey is evolving in tandem, and in relation, with the various multilateral formations in the Central Asian region, although only three of the multilateral formations within Central Asia are of any significance and only one of them has a formal organizational body.

The one formal organization is the Central Asian Economic Union which includes Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan.

By Christopher Boucek (7/5/2000 issue of the CACI Analyst)

BACKGROUND: As the Central Asian states slowly find their way in a post-Soviet world, the republics are cautious to avoid returning to a system dictated by Moscow. As they strive towards a policy of independence, the Islamic Republic of Iran is a natural geopolitical counterbalance to any perceptions of Russian chauvinism vis-à-vis Central Asia. Iran has taken strong positions on separatism and extremism, both comforting to the Central Asian republics.

By Bea Hogan (7/5/2000 issue of the CACI Analyst)

BACKGROUND: Since he came to power during the Soviet era, Nursultan Nazarbayev has distinguished himself by his political skill. Early on he learned to balance the interests of various ethnic groups in the country, diffuse radical nationalist strains, cajole Western policymakers, and attract foreign investment. Mikhail Gorbachev appointed him First Secretary of the Kazakh SSR in 1989 and shortly thereafter, the Soviet parliament changed his title to president.