Central Asia
Europe Looks East to Central Asia
The European Union and Central Asia must continue moving engagement to the next level, from discussions and statements to actions across a broader spectrum. The first-ever European Union (EU)-Central Asia...
The Case For CACE
A Central Asia-Caucasus-European Corridor (CACE) would reinvigorate historic trade routes and improve regional energy security. American and European interests call for secure and sustained economic engagement with resource-rich Central Asia...
America Needs A Special Envoy For The Caspian—Now
A special envoy to the Caspian Sea region would help counter China, Russia, and Iran—and end the impression that Washington treats the region as an afterthought. Robert Kaplan once wrote,...
Azerbaijan And U.S. Western Eurasia Strategy
Washington could leverage the Baku-Jerusalem relationship to contain Iranian geopolitical ambitions. Although pushed out of Syria, Iran, as a revisionist state, will continue to challenge U.S. strategy in West Asia....
Nuclear Power in Central Asia: The New “New Thing”?
The Central Asian states of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan are exploring the development of nuclear power. Last fall, Kazakhstan passed a controversial referendum to build a nuclear power plant. In...
Russia’s Lost Decade
The stunning collapse of Moscow’s client regime in Syria after a prolonged intervention in the country is a major blow to the Kremlin’s ability to influence global affairs. Yet even...
Consistency, Not Priority, Is The Key To U.S. Central Asia Policy
As a new administration settles into Washington, the global chessboard is being reset. While Central Asia may not be occupying the top squares of that board, it remains a strategically...
VIDEO: Afghanistan’s Qoshtepa Canal and Water Security in Central Asia
On December 5, the Center for the National Interest launched its latest report, “Afghanistan’s Qoshtepa Canal and Water Security in Central Asia.” This report argues that efforts by the incoming...
Trade Restrictions on Kazakhstan Make No Sense
Donald Trump’s re-election could open new doors for U.S. cooperation in Central Asia.
Why Central Asia Should Be on Donald Trump’s National Security Agenda
Offering economic incentives that compete with Beijing and Moscow’s carrots while enhancing security cooperation is essential for the United States to reestablish its strategic foothold in Central Asia.
Calibrating U.S.-Kazakh Cooperation
Over the past three decades, Kazakhstan, the largest economy in Central Asia, has emerged as a key player on the global stage. It currently holds the chairmanship of the Collective...
Uzbekistan Is Calling America. Will We Pick Up The Phone?
Central Asia, particularly Uzbekistan, deserves more attention from America and the West. In the face of the illegal Russian invasion of Ukraine and great power competition with China, the United...