The article analyzes the formation of a new world order that will change the entire modern system of international relations. Although its defining feature remains uncertainty, the majority of experts believe the emerging order will be polycentric, more equitable, and less stable than the current political system. At the current stage of societal development, a confrontation is unfolding between the "collective West" and the anti-colonial movement represented by organizations such as the SCO and BRICS+. One of the factors contributing to changes in global politics is the Ukrainian crisis, which is gradually shifting from a stage of escalation to one of stabilization. This is a megatrend of modern global politics, against the backdrop of which all regions of the world, interregional relationships, and the geopolitical influence on specific regional actors are undergoing transformation. One such region is Central Asia. In this article, the region is viewed primarily as a community of five former Soviet republics that have become independent states. However, it is important to recognize that Central Asia also encompasses Afghanistan, Mongolia, and parts of India, China, and Russia, which significantly broadens the concept of the region and increases its geopolitical significance. Russia and Central Asia are historically connected; the region was once part of the Russian Empire and the Soviet Union. Today, these states are the Russian Federation’s closest neighbors, forming a unified security belt. Over time, they have experienced various phases of mutual interaction, and their cooperation is currently among the most productive in the post-Soviet era. Russian influence remains a priority in Central Asia, though China's role in the region is also substantial. While the Russian Federation leads in matters of security and military-technical cooperation, China dominates in the economic sphere. The aim of this study is to examine the role of Russia and the Central Asian states in the process of forming a new world order. The methodological foundation of the study includes theories of functional and complex conflict. These theories offer analytical tools to explore the formation and evolution of contemporary global conflicts. Additionally, methods of normative legal analysis and comparative analysis were employed. The results of the study indicate that relations between Russia and the Central Asian countries are currently characterized by two main trends: cooperation and conflict. Most conflicts are functional in nature and are subject to political resolution. The conclusions of the study suggest that the relationship between Russia and the Central Asian countries contributes to the development of a polycentric world. Researchers focusing on this region should analyze the multi-vector nature of the foreign policies pursued by Central Asian states and account for the ambiguous influence exerted by the United States, China, and Turkey in the region.
