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Central Asia: Projected Economic Deceleration Amid Fiscal Adjustments and Global Pressures (2025–2026)
This report analyses the Asian Development Bank’s (ADB) latest economic outlook concerning the Central Asian region, highlighting an expected deceleration in GDP growth of over 2025–2026. The ADB’s projections underscore persistent geopolitical and economic risks that could compound regional vulnerabilities in the medium term.
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CSTO Strategic Reinforcement of the Tajik-Afghan Border
This report examines recent CSTO and Dushanbe’s efforts to bolster security on the Tajik-Afghan border, as the situation in northern Afghanistan worsens. Regional concerns about rising terrorism and illicit activity in Afghanistan’s border provinces pushed CSTO to start the first phase of its longstanding program.
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Kazakhstan Increased its Military Expenditure Amid Foreign Investment Engagement
This report assesses Kazakhstan’s recent decision to allocate 120 billion tenge (approximately USD 265 million) for the development of its defence-industrial base, and its efforts to attract foreign investment from key international partners. This report assesses also Astana’s defence posture, investment, and regional.
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Tashkent Conference: the Organisation of Turkic States Consolidates its Economic Presence in Central Asia
This report examines the growing strategic significance of the Organisation of Turkic States (OTS) in current economic and political changes in Central Asia, with an emphasis on the initiatives presented at the April 2025 conferences in Tashkent and diplomatic forum in Antalya.
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Tajik Taliban Commanders Arrested in Afghanistan Underline the Movement’s Internal Frictions
This report examines the recent arrests of ethnic Tajik Taliban commanders in northern Afghanistan, highlighting emerging internal rifts within the movement, particularly between the Kandahar leadership and the Haqqani Network, and potential instability in historically restive regions, such as Takhar and Badakhshan.
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Armenian Business Association Discussed Yerevan’s Strategy Between Moscow and Brussels
This report examines Armenia’s shifting foreign policy orientation, using recent remarks made by the President of the Armenian Business Association Samvel Karapetyan at a Moscow business forum as an entry point for broader analysis. Karapetyan’s public concerns about the economic fallout of exiting the EAEU come at a critical moment in Yerevan’s recalibration of its…
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Russia-Central Asia Relations Following the Almaty Ministerial Meeting
The eighth ministerial meeting between Russia and the five Central Asian states, held in Almaty on April 11, 2025, highlights Moscow’s ongoing efforts to consolidate strategic influence across its southern periphery. This report wants to assess the status of Russia-Central Asia relations and Moscow’s strategy to exploit multilateralism and security cooperation to influence Central Asian…
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Antalya Diplomacy Forum 2025 and Turkey’s Use of Cultural and Religious Diplomacy
The Antalya Diplomacy Forum 2025 served as a strategic platform for Turkey to advance its ambitions as a revisionist middle power, pursuing influence through non-coercive means across regions of historical and ideological significance. This report highlighted that Turkey’s growing foreign policy assertiveness, fuelled by the Antalya Diplomacy Forum mixed to TIKA and Diyanet’ activities, may…
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How the Uzbekistan-Germany Labour Migration Agreement Affects the EU-Central Asia Partnership
The memorandum signed on 7 April 2025 between Uzbekistan and Germany establishes a structured labour migration framework focused on vocational training and legal mobility pathways for Uzbek workers in key sectors of the German economy. This report analyses the memorandum’s strategic implications for EU-Central Asia relations and Uzbekistan’s foreign policy diversification.
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From Missiles to Militias: Decoding Iran’s Multi-Dimensional Deterrence in the Gulf
For Iran, protecting its maritime borders and the safeguarding of its industrial, military, and oil infrastructure along the coastline constitute a geostrategic imperative. In light of increasing Israeli hostility and the push for direct confrontation between the Tel Aviv–Washington axis and the Islamic Republic of Iran, assessing Tehran’s deterrence strategy in the region has become…
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Erdogan in the Crosshairs: Wrestling with New Wave of Protests, Economic Recession, and International Pressure
This report examines Turkey’s multifaceted crisis triggered by the arrest of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, which has sparked the largest protests in a decade. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s administration is struggling with economic recession, widespread demonstrations, and increasing international scrutiny. The converging challenges threaten to undermine Erdogan’s 22-year grip on power.
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AI and Automation: Transforming Industries Across Sectors
AI (Artificial Intelligence) is an essential enabler of digital transformations, which every organization integrates into all aspects of its activities and shapes how the organization functions and delivers value to its customers. In this report, we explore how these technologies are being deployed across sectors and the advantages and challenges they present.
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How Can Kazakhstan-United Kingdom Infrastructure Cooperation Impact Regional Dynamics?
Kazakhstan and the United Kingdom are intensifying their collaboration in infrastructure development, aiming to modernize Astana’s extensive energy, transport, water, and digital systems. This partnership leverages the UK’s engineering expertise and financial acumen to support Kazakhstan’s ambitious National Infrastructure Plan through 2029.
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Russia’s Cultural Diplomacy in Armenia and Azerbaijan to Counter the West and Turkey
This report focuses on recent developments in the geopolitical dynamics between Russia, Azerbaijan, and Armenia, with a particular emphasis on Moscow’s efforts to reinstate its cultural influence in the South Caucasus. Russia’s waning influence in Armenia and Azerbaijan’s increasing alignment with Western powers provide the context for understanding these actions.