This paper seeks to examine energy as a key factor in the domestic and foreign policies of the Central Asian states. The paper explores the domestic and regional dimensions of energy security for the Central Asian countries by elucidating the key issues in the domestic aspects of their energy policies as well as their policies towards other regional actors. In fact, all of the Central Asian states, namely; Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan, have their own niche in regional politics as well as the energy resources of oil, natural gas and water. These factors shape the energy security strategies of the Central Asian countries and their capabilities in meeting the challenges of energy security. In this respect, one of the key security challenges facing the Central Asian states is the Afghan problem. The Central Asian countries could contribute to enhancing security in Afghanistan through realizing the following energy projects: Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India (TAPI) natural gas pipeline and the Central Asia - South Asia electricity scheme (CASA). In addition, the support of the Central Asian countries for NATO's Northern Distribution Network (NDN) could also enhance energy security in this region considerably.
