Analyzing Conflicts of Implementing High-Speed Railway Project in Central Asia Using Graph Model

Conflicts arise when the proposed construction of a high-speed railway project in Central Asia affects the interests of Central Asian nations located along the route. By considering the national governments in Central Asia as decision makers, their possible actions in dealing with the conflicts are analyzed by using the graph model, a conflict resolution methodology. Three criteria, geological locations, political relations, and environmental concerns, are taken into account to accurately determine the preferences of these nations. The stabilities and equilibria of the model are calculated to provide potential strategic resolutions for these nations. The equilibrium that can take place in reality indicates that Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan can support a modified project. The opposition from Kyrgyzstan and Turkmenistan calls for appropriate resolutions from China in order to secure the successful implementation of the project.