Central Asia-Caucasus Institute and Silk Road Studies Program

"What the Extension of Transport Corridors in Afghanistan Means for Central Asia" by Nargiza Umarova

In the current geopolitical realities, Central Asia seeks to restore its historical role as a land-based transportation and logistics hub, facilitating connections between East and West, as well as North and South. Most of the region’s countries promote their own projects including railways, gas pipelines, and power lines through Afghanistan, which offer them substantial economic and geopolitical advantages. However, the intervention of major powers, including Russia, China, India, and Iran, could create a serious conflict of interest on the trans-Afghan track. To mitigate risks, Central Asian states should implement a coordinated policy for developing the southern transit direction on a mutually beneficial basis.

🔗👉 Read the full article here:

What the Extension of Transport Corridors in Afghanistan Means for Central Asia By Nargiza Umarova

Newest insights by Rafis Abazov: Will Kyrgyzstan Become Green Again?

"Kyrgyzstan's ability to achieve sustainable development and transitioning to a greener economy hinges on a proactive approach by the country’s government, regional and international collaboration in addressing the impact of climate change and promoting long-term economic growth. However, Kyrgyzstan is grappling with significant environmental challenges, ranging from deforestation to water pollution, which threaten its long-term sustainability. In recent years, Kyrgyzstan has made significant strides in integrating green economy principles into its national development agenda. This shift reflects a broader commitment to achieving the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and transitioning toward a more environmentally conscious, sustainable economy. The question remains: can Kyrgyzstan, a cash-strapped country with limited financial and human resources, mobilize enough resources to implement its green agenda and truly become sustainable?"

🔗 Read the article on our Substack 👉

Will Kyrgyzstan Become Green Again? By Rafis Abazov

"The Taliban's diplomacy in Central Asia is increasingly focused on economic cooperation, prioritizing infrastructure development and trade expansion," write Aigerim Turgunbaeva and Fayazuddin Ghiasi for the Central Asia-Caucasus Analyst.

Aigerim Turgunbaeva is a journalist and researcher focusing on Central Asia. She writes about press freedom, human rights, and politics in the former Soviet space, and delves into China’s interests in the region for publications like The Diplomat, The Guardian, Reuters, and Eurasianet. Dr. Fayazuddin Ghiasi is a Rumsfeld Fellow and senior Researcher on Afghanistan and Central Asia at the Centre for Afghanistan and Regional Studies. He writes about regional geo-economics and geo-strategy, connectivity and politics in various national and international news outlets and journals.

Read the article through our Substack 👉

The Taliban's Diplomatic and Economic Expansion in Central Asia By Aigerim Turgunbaeva and Fayazuddin Ghiasi

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Central Asia-Caucasus Institute's Substack | CentralAsia-Caucasus Institute | Substack Located at the American Foreign Policy Council, we provide expert analysis on political, economic, and security developments in Central Asia and the Caucasus regions, continuing a 25-year tradition of delivering cutting-edge content for policymakers. Click to read Central Asia-Caucasus Institute's S...

On February 14, CACI’s Dr. Fred Starr discussed the potential dissolution of the Russian Federation at a Hudson Center event. Watch it here:

Preparing for the Dissolution of the Russian Federation Caption Senator Tom Cotton (R-AR) in a hearing on Capitol Hill on January 14, 2025, in Washington, DC. (Photo by Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images) Event “Seven Things You Can’t Say about China” with Senator Tom Cotton Tom Cotton, John Walters Feb 26, 2025 event National Security & Defense Foreign ...

Check out Michael Hikari Cecire and Laura Linderman's latest piece on the future of the North Caucasus.

https://www.silkroadstudies.org/resources/25218_FT_NorthCaucasus_Final.pdf

A long-suppressed 1994 telegram by U.S. diplomat E. Wayne Merry warned that Washington’s push for radical economic reform in Russia would backfire, leading to economic failure and renewed hostility toward the U.S. — insights only now fully revealed to the public through the telegram’s declassification. Read more here:
https://buff.ly/41dZN0Y

A Lost Warning Recovered: Buried Dissent and the Cost of U.S. “Shock Therapy” in Russia By E. Wayne Merry and Anna Harvey

"The year 2024 saw a shift away from external mediation in the Armenia–Azerbaijan conflict, to direct bilateral negotiations. Despite widespread expectations of a finalized peace treaty by the end of 2024, no agreement was signed. This reflects a strategic decision to avoid an interim settlement that could entrench unresolved provisions. Constitutional ambiguities in Armenia and bilateral territorial adjustments continue to shape the negotiation dynamics, raising questions about whether this diplomatic model will consolidate into a stable framework or remain in flux."

Read the full article here: 👉

Armenia and Azerbaijan Reshape their Future through Direct Negotiation By Robert M. Cutler

"Georgia is in a major political crisis with considerable international repercussions, which should motivate increased attention and engagement from the EU as well as the U.S.," writes Stephen Blank is in his article "The Georgian Crucible and Its Strategic Implications." Read it here 👉

The Georgian Crucible and Its Strategic Implications By Stephen Blank

🚨EVENT ALERT🚨 Join the Atlantic Council's Eurasia Center on Tuesday, February 18, at 11:30am ET for their event "How long can Russia sustain its aggression in Ukraine?" We are excited that CACI's Dr. Fredd Star will be speaking! Register here 👇

How long can Russia sustain its aggression in Ukraine? The Eurasia Center discusses how the confluence of Russia’s war of attrition, economic decline, and energy damage impact the Russian Federation and its global standing.

"The End of the PKK? Assad’s Fall Could Seal the Fate of Turkey’s Terrorist Foe..." Find out why CACI and Silk Road Studies Program Senior Fellow Halil Karaveli believes this in his latest Foreign Policy article 👇

The End of the PKK? Assad’s fall could seal the fate of Turkey’s terrorist foe.

"Will Georgian Dream choose to 'muddle through' and ignore the dissenters, or will it seek to cement a more fully-fledged authoritarian regime through brute force?" Read Alexander Scrivener's opinion on the question on our Substack 👉

As Protestors Tire, Can Georgian Dream Consolidate Authoritarian Rule? By Alexander Scrivener

Kazakhstan's President Tokayev has worked to construct a distinct legacy separate from former President Nazarbayev. He has implemented constitutional changes, economic reforms, and foreign policy shifts, while facing the complex challenge of maintaining independence from both Russian and Chinese influence. Tokayev’s leadership marks a new stage of Kazakhstan’s development, positioning the country as an independent player on the global stage. Curious about Tokayev's reforms and the challenges ahead for Kazakhstan? Read here 👉

Tokayev's Tightrope: Kazakhstan's Balancing Act in a Shifting World By Anna Harvey

🚨 UPDATED -- CACI/AFPC Webinar: New Initiatives from Kyrgyzstan

👉 Tuesday January 28, 2025 2:00-3:00 PM EST (GMT-5) 👈

🔗 Register here: https://us02web.zoom.us/.../reg.../WN_MamrMSzxQ_eOS8C752_Yxg

🗺️ In a time of geopolitical uncertainty, the South Caucasus and Central Asia have become more interconnected, forming a new Trans-Caspian area. As trade along the Middle Corridor is gaining in importance, the Caspian Sea is becoming a unifier rather than divider of the regions. All countries on the eastern and western side of the Caspian pursue multi-vector foreign policies to avoid overreliance on any single external actor. As the EU is seeking to assert itself geopolitically, it is in its strategic interest to support the evolving Trans-Caspian cooperation. To elevate its engagement with the countries in the South Caucasus and Central Asia, the EU should replace the outdated Eastern Partnership with a new Trans-Caspian Partnership. Such partnership would enhance regional connectivity and cooperation and give regional states greater collective weight in their dealings with different powers.

🔗 Check out the full article here👇
https://cacianalyst.org/publications/feature-articles/item/13839-the-convergence-of-the-south-caucasus-and-central-asia-an-opportunity-for-a-new-eu-partnership.html

🆕 Central-Asia Caucasus Institute / American Foreign Policy Council Webinar: New Initiatives from Kyrgyzstan

Tuesday January 28, 2025 2:00-3:00 PM EST

🔗 Register here: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_MamrMSzxQ_eOS8C752_Yxg

Kyrgyzstan continues to develop new approaches to both domestic and regional challenges in Central Asia. This discussion brings together distinguished experts to examine the country's recent initiatives, reform efforts, and contributions to regional cooperation. The panel will explore President Japarov's Cholpon-Ata initiative alongside other developments in Kyrgyzstan's domestic policy and regional partnerships. Our speakers will share their perspectives on both the progress and challenges facing the country as it pursues these directions.

The conversation will address various aspects of Kyrgyzstan's development, including educational innovation, institutional building, economic reforms, and diplomatic initiatives. Drawing on their extensive experience in the region, our speakers will offer insights into how these efforts are shaping Kyrgyzstan's path forward.

Speakers:
Dr. Almazbek Beishenaliev - former Minister of Education of the Kyrgyz Republic

Paul Goble - distinguished Eurasia analyst and former Special Advisor to the Secretary of State

Dr. Shamsh Kassim-Lakha - former Chairman of the University of Central Asia and former Diplomatic Representative of AKDN to the Kyrgyz Republic

Moderator:
Dr. S. Frederick Starr - Chairman of Central Asia Caucasus Institute