Main Approaches for American Participation in Central Asian Affairs and Their Effectiveness

　　Abstract:In the course of its involvement in Central Asian affairs, America has preferred heavy reliance on bilateral mechanisms in favor of multi-lateral cooperation.Except for the NATO Partnership for Peace Programme and Western lead international financial organizations, America has not made any genuine efforts to support Central Asian states in establishing regional cooperation mechanisms, nor has it established any new cooperative mechanisms between the U.S.and Central Asian states.In addition to avoiding involvement in multi-lateral regimes in the region, America has also sought to weaken Russian influence in Central Asia.This is the main reason why the U.S.has preferred bi-lateral cooperation in the region.American preference for bi-lateral cooperation has had serious negative impacts for Central Asia, including worsening relations between Central Asian states, and intensifying competition between great powers in the region, particularly Russia and the U.S.It also has negative effects on regional stability in Central Asia, and indirectly damages America’s own strategic objectives in the region.