Russian Federation?s ?near abroad? policy and impacts on central asia?s security

This research examines the Russian Federation?s policy towards Central Asia after the collapse of Soviet Union, which have been termed as the ?Near Abroad? policy, firstly within the framework of theoretical and historical background. Also, in this study the place and importance of the region in international politics within the context of ?New Great Game? tried to be put forward. Subsequently, applications of the ?Near Abroad? policy in the Russian history, predominantly in the post-Cold War Era have been outlined. In this context, the subject matter of this study is the Russia?s ?Near Abroad? Policy during Yeltsin and Putin period. In addition, factors affecting the formation of the Russian Federation?s policy towards Central Asia and the basic trends that are reflected in regional cooperation and competition between countries have been evaluated. At the same time, the impacts of global actors like USA, China and regional actors like Iran, Turkey to the Russia?s ?Near Abroad? policy have been explained within the context of ?New Great Game? in Central Asia.By the scope of the study the first part includes theories, concepts and current geopolitical analysis of Russia?s foreign-policy strategy towards region. In general, have been given some knowledge about geopolitical theories that emerged after the collapse of the Soviet Union. The second part of the present study has been focused on the historical background and development of relationships between Russia and Central Asian states. This study also elaborates issues concerning national security of the regional states and the role of Russian Federation in providing regional security. In this context the place and importance of ?Primakov Doctrine? in the shape of Russia?s ?Near Abroad? policy and Putin factor in the formation of ?New Near Abroad? policy and ?National Security Doctrine? have been emphasized.At the third part, Russia?s ?Near Abroad? policy and Central Asia?s Security have been analyzed within the current geopolitical and geo-economic structure of international relations and tried to put forth in all its dimensions.Key Words:1. Central Asia2. The New Great Game3. Security4. Russian Federation5. Near Abroad