Abstract
China’s economic and diplomatic clout has been increasing in the Central and South Asian region, particularly since 2011. However, at present, its influence remains modest but, in times ahead, it is likely to grow more influential. In this context, China’s Strategy toward South and Central Asia: An Empty Fortress analyses China’s strategy towards the two regions and its possible impact on the interest of the US. Authored by the eminent scholar of Strategic Culture theory, Andrew Scobell, Senior Fellow for China Studies at the Council on Foreign Relations, Ely Ratner, and Fellow at Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government, Michael Beckley, this study is a part of RAND Cooperation’s larger project to explore the possible future challenges for the US Air Force in the regions. Viewed mainly from the perspective of Strategic Culture, it is a critique on the Chinese interaction with the region and its implication for the US security interests.