This second publication by the CAPG Almaty Club think tank looks at the dualism of external– internal regionalism, whereby Central Asia's international status as seen from within the region differs from its status as seen from without. The internal region-building and external configuration of the region often differ not only in spatial terms, but also, and more importantly, geopolitically. Frequently, the external configuration and internal self-identification of the region differ significantly. Furthermore, attitudes towards Central Asian integration with the international community vary: the authors of this paper suggest, for example, that the USA supports the idea, Russia rejects it, China is indifferent, and the European Union is doubtful. The authors also take the view that the majority of regional powers support the idea of unity between the Central Asian countries. This paper, which has been produced by scholars and experts in various academic disciplines who are well known in Central Asia, sheds light on this and other interesting and important aspects of the configuration of the region from without. This publication is intended for the general reader.