SpecialEurasia

SpecialEurasia’s Online Course in Geopolitical Intelligence Analysis scheduled on Saturday, 10 May 2025, provides an in-depth, practical approach to understanding and applying intelligence analysis techniques in real-world scenarios.

On 13 March 2025, the presidents of Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan signed a border agreement, formally resolving a long-standing territorial dispute. The deal led to the reopening of two border crossings closed since 2021 and the resumption of direct air travel and bus services.

Between March 17th-19th, 2025, Turkmenistan is hosting a series of events in Ashgabat, including an exhibition and the “Investments in the Future of Turkmenistan” international forum, which highlight the country’s domestic economic trends and strategy.

The developments in the Middle East over the past year have been rapid and surprising. One of these surprises is the friendship between two former rivals. The Syrian transitional president, Ahmed al-Sharaa, held a meeting with the commander of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), Mazloum Abdi.

To explore the critical role of intelligence and geopolitics in contemporary security environments, SpecialEurasia met with Max Taylor, the Intelligence Manager at Intelligence Fusion.

The seventh annual trilateral naval exercise “Maritime Security Belt 2025” started on March 10th, 2025, near Chabahar, Iran, encompassing anti-piracy, search-and-rescue, and naval combat exercises. The presence of Russia, China hosted by Iran in the strategically significant Gulf of Oman underscores their shared interest in countering Western influence and safeguarding themselves against an increasingly assertive Western bloc.

The appointment of Alexander Darchiev as Russia’s ambassador to the United States marks a pivotal moment in Moscow’s diplomatic strategy. Amidst the current high tensions, his position and experience at the Russian Foreign Ministry suggest he may strive to improve, rather than damage, U.S.-Russia relations.

The recent visit of Italian President Sergio Mattarella to Kazakhstan reinforces the developing relationship between Italy and Central Asia. His meeting with Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev in Astana follows a series of bilateral agreements signed in 2024, strengthening economic, energy, and diplomatic cooperation between the two nations.

Armenia has frozen its participation in the Collective Security Treaty Organisation (CSTO) since February 2024. The country has also ceased financial contributions and engagement in CSTO activities. This report evaluates the geopolitical and security implications of Armenia’s stance and the potential outcomes for regional stability.

This report assesses the security risks in Syria following recent sectarian violence in Latakia and Tartus, where factions linked to the transitional government reportedly targeted Alawite civilians. Local sources report hundreds killed in what they describe as mass executions.

Kazakhstan and Turkey are increasingly active in Afghanistan, leveraging humanitarian, agricultural, and diplomatic support to secure regional influence. Astana’s participation in initiatives like the Islamic Organisation for Food Security (IOFS), coupled with Ankara’s expansion through TIKA, is reshaping the region’s geopolitical landscape.

Kavkaz Files ISSN 2975-0474 Volume 33 Issue 1 Author: Silvia Boltuc Executive Summary The report outlines the strategic relationship between Dagestan and Iran, highlighting recent developments during a delegation’s visit aimed at enhancing trade and economic collaboration. Key issues addressed include the potential for logistical cooperation through maritime connections between the Makhachkala and Amirabad ports […]