Crossroads Asia

The countries of Central Asia and the Caucasus are being used to facilitate the transfer of sanctioned goods into Russia, including allegedly 13,000 kilos of chemical products recently seized in Barcelona.

Despite the potential for a conflict of interests on the transport and transit track, it is still beneficial for Uzbekistan and Tajikistan to cooperate rather than compete.

China’s growing footprint in South and Central Asia has been made possible by the influx of grants, loans, mergers, and economic concessions for projects.

Ankara continues to strengthen its bid for influence in the region by stressing historical and cultural ties. 

The viability of the projects depends on the region's ability to navigate geopolitical tensions, security challenges, and economic uncertainties.

China’s foreign policy toward Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan has had contrasting results over the years.

Of the 11 journalists charged in a case that has drawn heavy criticism, two received prison sentences, two probation, and seven were acquitted.

Putin characterized cooperation within the CIS as “one of the Russian Federation's top foreign policy priorities.”

Despite Kazakhstan’s efforts to reschedule the Kashagan maintenance, the drop in production conveniently forces Astana to meet commitments it has made to OPEC+ to reduce oil production. 

Every child in Central Asia deserves to grow up in an environment free from violence, where protection is not only a policy, but a reality.

Critics argue that the Kazakh people were presented a largely one-sided positive view of the referendum, making the victory of the “yes” camp unsurprising.