Engage Central Asia and keep it from falling back into Russia's orbit

The results of the Russia-Ukraine war will have a profound effect on several regions bordering Russia. Most significantly, a Ukrainian victory, if achieved, will weaken Russia and boost the development of closer political, economic and security ties between Central Asia and the West. Such an outcome would better protect the region from China's pursuit of regional hegemony and provide Washington and Brussels with committed strategic and business partners. To enhance national consolidation, state resilience, and protection from potential hegemons, the Central Asian countries, led by Kazakhstan, are pursuing a strategy of international engagement and closer ties with the U.S. and…