Mongolia–Central Asia relations and the implications of the rise of China on its future evolution

This article provides an analysis of Mongolia’s foreign relations with the post-Soviet Central Asian states, particularly Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan, their prospects going forward. It overview why, despite shared geocultural identities geopolitical imperatives, relationship remains more distant than its other neighbors East Asia. then assesses changes brought by dynamics a rising Chinese power projection as manifested through Belt Road Initiative in region, and, using IR theories on powers weak state behavior, examines impetus these shifting for future Mongolia–Central Asia relations.