C5+1

The war in Ukraine provided the thematic backdrop for the U.S. secretary of state’s recent trip through Central Asia in a way the U.S. war in Afghanistan once did. 

Antony Blinken's first trip to Central Asia will involve bilateral meetings with all five of his regional counterparts, plus a convening of the C5+1 format.

U.S. Assistant Secretary of State Donald Lu's trip to Central Asia seeks to “reinforce the United States’ commitment to each country’s independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity."

Beijing might say that there's no geopolitics wrapped up in its regional engagements, but it's plain to see.

As the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan begins, some suspect Washington is looking for nearby basing options.

Kazakhstan is working toward a more diversified economy.

The format marks an expansion of China’s role in the region and a signal of its readiness to compete for influence.

U.S. Central Asia policy has room to improve, but the Trump administration is steering things on the right track.

The new strategy revolves around a familiar “holy trinity” -- independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity -- while acknowledging the power of new regional dynamics.

After visits to Ukraine and Belarus early in the new year, Pompeo will touch down in Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan.

A secure and stable Central Asia is in the interest of the United States.