Central Asian regimes have been disappointed by Russia's expansionism and invasion of Ukraine, and also Russia's influence in Central Asia has begun to loosen due to the unresolved war. The war has not seriously dampened the economic development of Central Asia, but because of its inland location, the war has reminded Central Asian countries that they have to develop more trade and transportation routes toward the world. The sanctions on Belarus and Russia by Europe, the United States and their allies has shown that Central Asia must bypass Russia to find a new route westward to the Mediterranean Sea or southward to the Indian Ocean. Therefore, the status of Iran has become vital.

China is certainly an important power in Central Asia in terms of geopolitics and geostrategy, especially for her role in counterbalancing Russia. However, due to the traditional Sinophobia and the anti-China wave caused by the Belt and Road Initiative and ethnic policy in Xinjiang, China may not be able to easily replace Russia in Central Asia. Although China and Russia currently compete in the region, they still cooperate through the Shanghai Cooperation Organization for shared interests. Russia still plays a role through the Collective Security Treaty Organization in name, providing a security umbrella for Central Asia. After the Afghan troop withdrawal, it is still uncertain if the United States will return to the Great Game in Central Asia.