Abstract
The article delves into the rationale behind Central Asian countries’ extensive engagement with these emerging powers, offering valuable insights into the evolving geopolitical landscape of the region. Through a structured exploration, the paper outlines the strategies in place for the Western, Russian, and Chinese vectors, subsequently focusing on the emergence and dynamics of the fourth vector. By scrutinizing the motivations and mechanisms driving Central Asia’s interactions with these newfound partners, the article sheds light on the complexities and opportunities inherent in these evolving relationships. The conclusion synthesizes key arguments and proposes avenues for future research to further elucidate the evolving geopolitical dynamics in Central Asia.