Russia’s comeback in Central Asia : origins, implications and limits of a rapprochement

Russia’s influence in Central Asia has remained quite stable over time. However, the events that took place in 2008 have raised important questions on sustainability. The impact of the financial crisis, the declining appeal of the Russian market for Central Asian migrants, and finally the tacit disapproval of Moscow’s recognition of Abkhazia and South Ossetia in August 2008 will have an impact on future relations between the Central Asian republics and Russia.