Former U.S. Navy officer James Durso has pointed out that no U.S. president has visited the Central Asian region, unlike Russian and Chinese leaders who have successfully strengthened ties with Central Asia.

James Durso, a retired U.S. Navy officer, advises U.S. President-elect Donald Trump to focus on Central Asian countries, which could play a key role in U.S. interests.  In his article, "Central Asia: The Blind Spot Trump Can't Afford to Ignore," published in Responsible Statecraft, Durso writes that despite the "packed schedule of foreign policy issues" facing Trump, he should prioritize Central Asia, beginning with a visit to the region.

“So, what should President Trump do regarding Central Asia? First, visit. No sitting U.S. president has ever traveled to Central Asia. Russian President Vladimir Putin has made 73 visits to the five republics, while Chinese President Xi Jinping has made 13 visits to four republics since taking office in 2012. No matter how good your diplomats are, nothing ‘greases the wheels’ like face-to-face meetings between leaders,” writes Durso.

Multivector policies and regional interests

Durso advises the president-elect to consider that the Central Asian republics view "multivector diplomacy as a positive" and are not interested in foreign interference in their culture.

"Central Asian countries are invested in reducing tension and instability in the region, which requires a coordinated approach to maintaining peace in neighboring Afghanistan.  For example, the Trans-Afghan Railway, which would connect Central Asia to Pakistani seaports, represents a long-term investment in stabilizing Afghanistan. In addition to fostering a sustainable Afghan economy, the project is expected to create thousands of jobs and reduce the social base of support for extremist groups in the region," writes Durso.

He also notes that the Trans-Afghan Railway, as an alternative to China’s Belt and Road Initiative, would help diversify Central Asian trade in global markets and reduce the region’s dependence on Beijing—a development that aligns with U.S. long-term interests.

Strategic resources and the C5+1 platform

Durso emphasizes that the five Central Asian republics possess a significant share of critical minerals, including manganese, chromium, lead, zinc, and titanium.  He suggests that recent Chinese restrictions on rare mineral exports should serve as an opportunity for the U.S. to intensify dialogue with Central Asian nations via the C5+1 platform to ensure sustainable resource usage in the region.

Trade and infrastructure

Finally, Durso calls on the new president to strengthen trade relations with Central Asia, strategically located at the crossroads of Eastern and Western trade routes.

Leveraging the Trans-Caspian Corridor would enhance economic connectivity and trade opportunities.

About the author

James Durso is a regular commentator on foreign policy and national security matters.  Mr. Durso served in the U.S. Navy for 20 years and has worked in Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, and Central Asia.