Putin Fights to Preserve Russia’s Fading Influence in Central Asia

In 1991, the Soviet Union dissolved, giving birth to the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS). However, the CIS has largely failed to meet the objectives set forth in its 1993 charter. The 35th anniversary of the CIS summit in Turkmenistan this year, held at the Avaza resort on the Caspian Sea, saw Russian President Vladimir Putin as its most enthusiastic supporter.

Despite the organization's history of inactivity, Putin claimed that the CIS had advanced significantly, establishing itself as a key regional integration body. Economically, there is little reason to retain the CIS, but Putin sees it as a means to preserve Russia's cultural legacy in Central Asia and the South Caucasus. He highlighted the CIS's role in maintaining social, cultural, and humanitarian ties among former Soviet republics and emphasized the Russian language as a unifying force in the region.

However, English and local languages are gaining popularity among younger generations in major cities, while Russian's presence wanes outside urban centers. Central Asian governments are also reducing Russian's status through legal changes, and historical interpretations are shifting to view Soviet-era influence as oppressive rather than beneficial.

Despite the CIS's shortcomings, a document signed at the Avaza summit specifically aims to preserve historical memory, particularly the victory of Soviet peoples in World War II. This effort may help the Kremlin bolster Russia's cultural influence in Central Asia, even if the organization remains largely ineffective.