Russia and the Central Asia: Cooperation in the Multipolar World

On March 4, 2025, the 5th Central Asian Conference of the Valdai Discussion Club was opened. Its theme is “Russia and the Central Asia: Cooperation in the Multipolar World”. The participants of the first session discussed the main opportunities and challenges for Russia and Central Asian countries in the context of the emerging new international order. Fundamental changes in the international environment pose similar challenges and opportunities for both Russia and the Central Asian countries. These include increasing conflict potential among major states, transformation of the old globalization model, trade wars, and a simultaneously increase in the potential for the expansion of economic ties. In the future, true multipolarity will become the main external factor of development and cooperation in Greater Eurasia, and its influence may be favourable for achieving regional countries' goals. The aim of this session was to discuss the main opportunities and challenges for Russia and Central Asian countries in the context of the emerging new international order.