central asia
IWPR experts believe that the first summit of the Central Asian and US presidents held in New York is mainly symbolic in nature. They believe that the most important decisions for these countries will continue to be taken at the bilateral level. For the US, however, it is important for the Central Asian countries to comply with sanctions against Russia in order to prevent the export of dual-use goods to Russia. (more…)
Foreign analytical articles of August highlighted several important trends in the region, including increased civic engagement in Kazakhstan, strengthening US sanctions against companies in Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan’s growing relations with international actors in the infrastructure and energy spheres, dynamics in regional cooperation, etc. (more…)
As Central Asia grapples with the omnipresent spectre of climate change, the region finds itself at a crossroads of energy transition. The voyage towards decarbonisation is fraught with challenges, particularly with the precarious task of ensuring a ‘just transition’. Yet, amid these trials, lies the tantalising prospect of harnessing the region’s abundant renewable resources, and transforming energy infrastructures, bringing the nations closer to a sustainable future. To better understand these complexities, we turn to Dr Aliya Tskhay, a recognised expert in the field, who offers her incisive perspective on the subject. (more…)
In this piece, we delve into the composition of EU staffing and its significance for Central Asian nations aiming to bolster their standing within the EU. We scrutinise the tug-of-war between neutrality and national interests within EU personnel, taking Germany as our case study. We explore how factors such as educational and labour migration to Belgium mould the staffing in EU institutions. The article underscores that a deep comprehension of the EU workforce and a strategic focus on budding EU personnel through public diplomacy tools is critical for Central Asian nations’ effective EU engagement. These countries ought to boost the EU’s awareness of their region through cultural entities, youth groups, and media, targeting future EU personnel in their early stages of career development.
Central Asia is facing a number of natural disasters, but earthquakes pose the highest risk in terms of potential loss of life and economic damage. A significant area of Central Asia, including almost all major cities, is in a zone of high seismic risk. (more…)
The second half of May was a tense period of waiting for the presidential election results not only for Türkiye, but also for Central Asian states. The possible change of the leader of the Republic of Türkiye has made members of the Organisation of Turkic States (OTS) once again assess the value of their political and economic relations with Ankara ruled by one person for 20 years. The reporter of CABAR.asia spoke to political analysts of Central Asian states about it. Even after the convincing victory of Recep Tayyip, we are still interested in what our experts have to say to our question, “Who, if not Erdogan?”
During an expert meeting organized by IWPR’s Central Asia office, experts discussed the peculiarities of the pension systems of the countries of the region.
During an expert meeting organized by IWPR’s Central Asia office, experts discussed the peculiarities of the pension systems of the countries of the region.
As the EU faces challenges in promoting democracy in Central Asia, many wonder what the current strategy for democracy promotion should look like. What are the key elements of a successful strategy, and how can conditionality be used effectively? Moreover, can the goals of promoting democracy, protecting human rights, and supporting civil society in the region realistically be achieved, given the current complex political and economic realities? CABAR.asia explores these questions and more in an exclusive interview with the Ghent University expert. (more…)
Central Asia became more attractive for Beijing since the Russian invasion of Ukraine made the northern trade routes unavailable to use for China. Growing vacuum of influence in the region is going to be filled by China, believes Brian Carlson, the head of the Global Security Team at the Center for Security Studies (CSS) think tank. (more…)