Abstract
This chapter examines the shifting dynamics of Central Asian foreign policy in the context of sanctions diplomacy and the return of great power rivalry. It traces the evolution of Central Asia's international agency from the early post-Cold War period to the onset of the Russia–Ukraine conflict, when sanctions and weaponized interdependence began to narrow that space. Focusing particularly on the practices of Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, the chapter analyses how these pivotal states sought to preserve multi-vectorism, protect sovereignty, and adapt to competing pressures from major powers. The study argues that while Central Asian states historically benefited from the opportunities of globalization and a relatively open international system, the resurgence of high politics has imposed new constraints on their diplomacy. By highlighting the interplay between sanctions, great power rivalry, and regional responses, the chapter sheds light on the evolving patterns of international agency in Central Asia amid growing geopolitical turbulence.