Central Asia

But a proposed increase from 1.4 million tons to 2.2 million tons is just a drop in the bucket compared to the volumes Kazakhstan exports via Russia-based pipelines. 

The presidents of Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan are expected to meet for their first-ever trilateral summit on March 31.

Economic, political, and environmental trends are accelerating Central Asia’s shift to EVs, and Chinese firms are at the forefront.

The canal's completion could exacerbate regional conflict, but also presents an opportunity for regional cooperation. 

How did I do on my outlook for Central Asia 2024? 

Central Asia’s evolving geopolitical role is not just about balancing external actors; it is about leveraging these partnerships to pursue their own national and elite interests. 

Although Central Asia has demonstrated a strong commitment to environmental sustainability, the path to a “green transition” remains fraught with obstacles.

Foreign investment has long been a focus for Central Asia, but the region's governments are increasingly looking to their neighbors.

The region has become more connected to Europe and less dependent on Russia and China than when Trump was last in office. 

The messages provide a glimpse as to what the Central Asian states wish to see from the next U.S. administration and how they aim to position themselves.

While it may not yet be a powerful alliance, BRICS has the potential to be an attractive alternative for the countries of the Global South to pursue their national interests.

Russian politicians and commentators challenging Central Asian sovereignty unmask a continuous view of the region as part of Russia’s domain.