Historical Geography Journal ISSN 2782-6511 (Print) | ISSN 3034-5286 (Online)

Arsen M. Usenov
First President of Russia Boris Yeltsin Kyrgyz-Russian Slavic University (Kyrgyzstan, Bishkek)
ORCID: 0009-0001-6758-6822
E-mail: A.M.Usenov@krsu.kg

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UDC: 913(575.2):327
DOI: 10.58529/2782-6511-2025-4-3-126-137

ABSTRACT. The article analyzes the geographical location of Kyrgyzstan as a key factor determining the evolution of its strategic interests in the international arena. It examines the country’s unique location in the center of Central Asia, at the crossroads of historical trade routes and close to such major powers as China and Russia. It describes Kyrgyzstan’s challenging high-mountain geographic location, which complicates communication within the republic, as well as its geographic isolation due to natural mountain barriers and the lack of access to the ocean. The article also examines the historical evolution of the republic’s strategic interests in the international arena from 1991 to the present day in the context of the country’s geographical position. Four key stages in the development of the country’s interests are identified, beginning with the period of adaptation to the international system in 1990 and ending with the period of global transformation in the 2020s. The impact of the geopolitical environment on the formation of Kyrgyzstan’s foreign policy priorities, including issues of security, economic cooperation, and regional integration, is emphasized. At the same time, internal factors of political instability are discussed, which influenced the determination of not only domestic but also foreign policy vectors. The article analyzes historical and contemporary aspects demonstrating how Kyrgyzstan’s geographic location facilitates or limits its participation in global and regional processes. Particular attention is paid to the challenges and opportunities this geographic location presents for sustainable development and strengthening the country’s position on the global stage. In conclusion, forecasts for the development of the country’s strategic interests in the international arena in the medium term are presented.

KEYWORDS: Kyrgyzstan, geographical location, Central Asia, strategic interests, international arena

For citation: Usenov А. М. [The Geographical Position of Kyrgyzstan as a Determining Factor in the Evolution of Strategic Interests in the International Arena]. Istoriko-geograficheskiy zhurnal [Historical Geography Journal], 2025, vol. 4, no. 3, pp. 126–137. DOI: 10.58529/2782-6511-2025-4-3-126-137 (In Russian).

Received 10 September 2025
Accepted 11 November 2025

© 2025 The Author

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