Rational Choice and the Russia's preferences in Central Asia

Russia’s position in international equations is one of the influential elements in global issues. Kremlin’s foreign policy approach towards it’s near abroad and their method of reply is not only determining the security, economic and political environment in the region, but is also effective on international relations and the balance of power. Kremlin considers the international order as multipolar and therefore attempts to make Russia one of the poles in international system, so that Russia could make a strategic balance against the United States.
The authors attempt to find an answer to the question that which preference in Russia’s foreign policy is upon its geopolitical connection to Central Asia? The following hypothesis guides this study: Energy oriented geopolitical connection is no longer causing a special asset in Russia’s foreign policy, due to strengthening Russia and China’s competition, uneven policies of Central Asian countries and the prioritizing of bilateral approach instead of regionalism. Therefore Russia is gradually missing its economic and energy position, although still maintaining its security and political situation in the region. Using explanatory – analyzing research method and the rational choice theory by Green and Shapiro, the authors try to tell why the research findings provide an answer to the research question.