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 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.
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.
Integrating robotics into economic, military, and technological domains presents significant geopolitical risks and opportunities. Key nations, including the United States, China, and European states, are leveraging robotics to enhance industrial productivity, defence capabilities, and technological sovereignty.
This report evaluates Tajikistan’s ongoing military modernisation efforts, spearheaded by President Emomali Rahmon, focusing on the integration of advanced technologies, such as artificial intelligence (AI), and the broader geopolitical and economic challenges associated with the country’s defence strategy.
This report aims to investigate the historical evolution of the Kra Canal, its impact on the economies of South East Asian countries and then identify the geopolitical risks associated with this infrastructure project.
This report aims to analyse the recent developments regarding Uzbekistan’s military modernisation efforts, as outlined in the presidential address on February 21st, 2025. The country is considering how to incorporate new technologies, such as drones, artificial intelligence, and automated control systems, into its military forces.
This report analyses the influence of the Ukrainian conflict on Moscow and Beijing’s economic-military relations and their respective perspectives the geopolitical dynamics of the Asia-Pacific region.
The report, based on local sources and meetings held during our visit to Baden-Württemberg, aims to analyse Germany’s political landscape after the elections , assessing the impact of the results, party dynamics, and potential implications for governance and stability.
In 2024, Russia successfully recovered approximately 570 billion rubles ($6.3 billion) in assets previously frozen by Western nations because of the ongoing geopolitical conflict. Even with its successes, the substantial amount of Russia’s reserves frozen, primarily in the EU, remains a significant threat to its financial health.
This report examines the shifting dynamics of U.S. foreign policy towards Ukraine and NATO, particularly considering Donald Trump’s return to the White House. It analyses how the current U.S. Administration, characterised by reduced overseas commitments, fiscal conservatism, and scepticism towards allied burden-sharing, could reshape transatlantic security.
SpecialEurasia, reporting directly from Germany, is closely monitoring developments on the ground to assess their implications for governance, economic policies, and foreign relations. The elections will determine the next Bundestag composition and government leadership, shaping Germany’s fiscal policies, security strategies, and diplomatic posture.
This report analyses President Vladimir Putin’s Defender of the Fatherland Day address (23 February 2025), which reinforces key narratives legitimising Russia’s military actions in Ukraine, strengthening domestic resolve, and projecting historical continuity.
This report aims at assessing the activities of the Collective Security Treaty Organisation (CSTO) in Central Asia, its perspectives and challenges.
Recent security operations in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan, have resulted in significant casualties. Separate clashes in Dera Ismail Khan and North Waziristan killed four Pakistani soldiers and 15 militants.
In the last years, and especially now during Trump Administration, both the United States and the People’s Republic of China have competed in Central Asia because of the region’s strategic role in the Eurasian geopolitical chessboard.
This report examines the outcomes of the second trilateral meeting Turkey-Azerbaijan-Uzbekistan held in Ankara on January 29th, 2025. The meeting focused on advancing cooperation in trade, investment, and transport, with particular attention to the development of the Middle Corridor as a vital trade route between Asia and Europe.
Trump Administration’s decision to dismantle the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) significantly affects the U.S. foreign policy, with immediate consequences for the Middle East and the post-Soviet space where local countries have relied on U.S. aid for stability and development.
Following the collapse of Bashar al-Assad’s regime, Turkey has solidified its strategic position in Syria through a series of agreements with the new transitional government led by Ahmed al-Sharaa.
Tajik security forces suppressed an attempted prison break in Vahdat’s Colony No. 3/2, where Islamic State supporters staged a coordinated attack on guards. Official reports indicate that security forces killed three insurgents and detained the rest, though images suggest a higher casualty count.
Russia is expanding its military footprint in Libya, focusing on the Maaten Al Sarra airbase near the Chadian and Sudanese borders. This action shows a strategic reorientation by Moscow toward the Sahel, resulting from challenges encountered in Syria.
Generative artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping global power dynamics, triggering a digital arms race among leading nations. The United States, European Union, and China’s regulatory frameworks differ significantly, reflecting unique strategic objectives and underlying ideologies.
This report analyses India’s developing geopolitical positioning, the affects of recent sanctions on Indian entities linked to Russian transactions, and the strategic implications for decision-makers.
On December 3rd, 2024, South Korean President Yoon Suk-Yeol declared martial law, citing threats to democratic institutions. This unprecedented action caused a major political and institutional crisis, leading to Yoon’s impeachment and arrest. The instability has raised concerns among key global actors, including the United States, the European Union, China, and Japan.
The January 26th, 2025, presidential election in Belarus resulted in Alexander Lukashenko extending his 31-year rule. Western governments have widely criticised the electoral process, citing the absence of free and fair conditions. The election took place against the backdrop of heightened political repression, lack of opposition candidates, and Belarus’ deepening alignment with Russia.
This report evaluates the geopolitical and security implications of the recent killing of a Chinese worker in Afghanistan, focusing specifically on the Sino-Taliban relationship. The analysis considers the role of militant groups operating across the border and forecasts potential outcomes that could affect China’s strategic objectives in Central Asia and its broader regional influence.
This report outlines recent developments regarding the Wakhan Corridor, specifically focusing on the increasing Chinese presence in the region. The visit of three Chinese military intelligence officers to the Wakhan Corridor is a significant event showing Beijing’s increasing strategic focus on the region.
This report examines Uzbekistan’s economic performance in 2024, focusing on trade dynamics, sectoral developments, and key geopolitical considerations. It highlights the country’s efforts to modernise its economy under President Shavkat Mirziyoyev’s leadership, supported by structural reforms and strategic international partnerships.
This report examines how Kazakhstan’s strategic move in Bulgaria’s energy market affects the regional geopolitical balance, considering Russia’s local influence and political developments.
By examining Indonesia’s geo-economic value and development policies, the report based on international, local sources, and previous SpecialEurasia’s monitoring activities, aims to outline prospects for further growth of the national economy.
Sayfiddin Tajibayev’s appointment to a senior position in the Syrian Ministry of Defence highlights a serious security risk to Tajikistan and Central Asia. This development could catalyse the movement of more extremists from Central Asia to Syria, facilitating the establishment of new foreign fighter networks and training centres.
This SWOT analysis, based on local and international sources and previous SpecialEurasia’s reports, should assist policymakers and stakeholders in assessing Mongolia’s strategic position and identifying the country’s strengths, weakness, opportunities, and threats.
This report, based on open sources and publicly available information (PAI), aims at analysing the geopolitical risk and criminal scenarios in Myanmar, particularly focusing on the Shan State.
SpecialEurasia had an exclusive conversation with Alexander Hoffmann, a Military Adviser from the Russian Federation. His analysis sheds light on the Kremlin’s military, diplomatic, and strategic recalibrations, offering a comprehensive perspective on Russia’s current and future approach in Syria and the broader Middle East.
This report synthesises international and local data, together with previous SpecialEurasia assessments, to analyse the consequences of Assad’s downfall in Syria and the potential contribution of Central Asian foreign fighters.
The Islamic State has utilised the recent collapse of the Assad regime and the rise of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) to intensify its ideological campaign. Through its latest issue of al-Naba (issue 473), released in recent days, the group has disseminated a narrative portraying these events as betrayals of Islamic principles and evidence of external manipulation.
The Assad regime’s sudden collapse in Syria marks a profound and far-reaching geopolitical shift. The rapid Syrian opposition military gains, spearheaded by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), have significantly altered regional political and military conditions.
This intel brief, based on local and international sources and SpecialEurasia’s previous monitoring reports, examines the regional and Syrian dynamics, integrating recent developments in Daraa and As-Suwayda to analyse the risks and strategic considerations.
This report explores Russia’s influence in Kyrgyzstan, concentrating on economic, military, and socio-cultural ties while acknowledging the competition from regional players like China and Turkey.
This report assesses the implications of the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) offensive in Aleppo, the potential death of its leader Abu Mohammad al-Julani, and the broader geopolitical impact on regional stability and key state actors.
Geopolitical Report ISSN 2785-2598 Volume 49 Issue 1 Author: Antonio Graceffo For over seventy years, the people of Burma have fought relentlessly against successive military juntas that have ruled the country with an iron fist, striving for democratic change.
This report aims to assess India’s geopolitical and economic environment by analysing its internal capabilities, vulnerabilities, external opportunities, and threats. This evaluation is crucial in understanding India’s potential trajectory in becoming a global economic and geopolitical leader.
Effective intelligence reporting needs precise and unambiguous presentations of facts, analysis, and recommendations. Analysts must ensure reports focus on the needs of decision-makers, tailor their content and structure them for rapid understanding. This analysis examines the key principles for crafting actionable and relevant intelligence reports.
The China-Mongolia-Russia Economic Corridor (CMREC) initiative, set for deployment in the latter half of the 2020s, represents a trilateral ambition to fortify regional economic integration and elevate transnational trade efficiency across Eurasia.
The construction of the At-Bashy Trade and Logistics Centre and the proposed China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan (CKU) railway underscores Beijing’s aim to enhance trade connectivity, bypass traditional routes through Russia, and consolidate its influence in Central Asia.
Russia continues to pursue an assertive development agenda in the Arctic, emphasising the region’s economic potential and strategic significance for national security. This strategy includes expanding infrastructure, fostering private investment, and enhancing transport routes, specifically the Northern Sea Route (NSR).
The following report investigates the role of the “REBUS 2024” forum in Tatarstan as a catalyst for expanding Sino-Russian economic ties and regional cooperation.
This report analyses the recent diplomatic developments and economic cooperation initiatives between Tajikistan and Kuwait following President Emomali Rahmon’s official visit to Kuwait from November 3rd-5th, 2024.
Donald Trump’s victory in the 2024 U.S. presidential election, marked by a decisive lead over Democratic candidate Kamala Harris with over 71 million votes and 277 electoral votes, introduces a new phase in U.S. foreign policy which might affect Eurasia’s geopolitical dynamics significantly.
This report assesses the diplomatic roles of key Russian regional leaders in advancing Moscow’s foreign policy objectives, particularly in their engagements with the Arab-Muslim world and Far East, and to evaluate the strategic implications of their increasing involvement in international relations.
North Korea’s choice to send troops to support Russia in Ukraine is a significant change in global dynamics that could affect security in Eastern Europe and the Asia-Pacific region.
The 2024 parliamentary elections in Uzbekistan signify a major step in the country’s political development, highlighting domestic stability and Tashkent’s stable governance. The elections demonstrated a stable participation rate of over 71.5% and marked the conclusion of a new phase of constitutional reforms, backed by the Central Election Commission (CEC).
The BRICS Summit in Kazan, Russia, marked a pivotal moment in the bloc’s expansion and its focus on fostering economic cooperation, regional security, and enhanced multilateral relations. The Caspian Sea region, shared by Russia, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Iran, and Turkmenistan, plays a strategic role in BRICS’ geopolitical and economic ambitions.
This report investigates the “Rubezh-2024” military exercise occurred in Tajikistan, focusing on its implications for Moscowʼs regional military and foreign policies in Central Asia. The exercise facilitates the transfer of combat experience from Russian military personnel, drawn from the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
The recent 13th meeting of the Ministers of Economy and Trade of the Organisation of Turkic States (OTS) in Bishkek underscored Turkey’s growing role in Central Asia. This report analyses how Ankara’s ambitions are reshaping the geopolitical landscape of Central Asia, with direct consequences for Moscow and Beijing.
This report evaluates the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT) surrounding Russia’s newly launched Islamic banking pilot programme. Started in September 2023, the programme seeks to assess the feasibility of Islamic financial services across Tatarstan, Bashkortostan, Chechnya, and Dagestan.
President Emomali Rahmon’s recent visit to Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Oblast (GBAO) marks a continued effort by the Tajik government to strengthen socio-economic development and enhance security in the region. Rahmon visited and inaugurated several infrastructure projects, emphasising development ahead.
The arrest of an Islamic State militant in Ukraine has raised concern on the country’s potential role as a transit territory towards Europe for terrorist groups and jihadist fighters.
This report analyses at the situation one year after the Hamas attacks on Israel, which occurred on October 7th, 2023. The report highlights the continuous risks in the area, such as the role of Hezbollah, Iran’s engagement, and the emergence of terrorist organisations like the Islamic State.
This report examines how the Islamic State in the latest issue of al-Naba has leveraged the ongoing conflict between Israel and regional Shiite forces, particularly Hezbollah, to assert its position within the Muslim world.
On the evening of September 27th, 2024, Israeli airstrike killed Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, marking a significant escalation in the ongoing Israel-Hezbollah conflict and highlighting the effectiveness of Israeli intelligence operations.
In this report, we present a few practical suggestions and OSINT tools to aid analysts in navigating difficulties related to their investigation about the Middle East and the Arab world, especially when they lack fluency in the region’s primary languages such as Arabic and Persian.
This report analyses the outcomes of the “Central Asia + Germany” summit held on September 17th, 2024, in Astana, focusing on the strategic economic, infrastructure, and security agreements reached between Central Asian countries and Germany.
The report analyses recent economic and security developments between Tajikistan and Pakistan, highlighting the implications of their expanding bilateral relations.
An analysis of the Eastern Economic Forum’s business program highlights that Russia is strengthening the strategic eastern vector of its geopolitics, outlining a large-scale program for the development of its eastern territories and comprehensively strengthening ties with the leading actors of the Global South.
This report examines recent naval counter-divergence training exercises and tactical developments conducted by Russian forces in the Baltic and Black Sea regions. This report aims to provide an assessment of current naval capabilities, strategic implications, and future outlooks for the involved regions.
The Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) is nearing the final phase of its preparation for a series of joint military exercises scheduled for September and October 2024. This report aims to detail the current state of preparedness of the CSTO’s management bodies and force formations.
The Iraqi military, in collaboration with Kurdish security forces, recently executed a successful operation in Kirkuk, dismantling two Islamic State hideouts. This operation highlights the ongoing threat posed by the Islamic State despite its official defeat in 2017.
The recent knife attack in Solingen, Germany, underscores Islamist terrorism’s persistent threat within the country, particularly from individuals with radical convictions linked to the Islamic State, and increases the regional’s security risk.
This report examines the content and implications of the article “Why Do Mujahideen of the Islamic State Make Rawafidh the Target of Their Operations and Turn Their Cities into Cemeteries?”, which serves as an ideological manifesto, justifying the Islamic State Wilayat Khorasan’s (ISKP) ongoing campaign of violence against Shi’a Muslims.
This report evaluates the implications of Taliban’s third anniversary celebrations amid persistent security threats from groups like the Islamic State Wilayat Khorasan (ISKP) and assesses the Taliban’s ability to maintain stability in Afghanistan.
Kazakhstan’s 2024 military modernisation initiatives significantly enhance its defence capabilities, reflecting concerns over internal stability and regional security. The country’s efforts include advanced procurements and comprehensive upgrades, which could alter Central Asia’s military balance.
In this report, we will first discuss the current situation of the Northwest Syria, then we will introduce and provide brief information about the terrorist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, which operates locally. In the end, we analyse the future of this region.
This report covers the recent counter-terrorism operations in Kazakhstan, resulting in the arrest of five individuals involved in terrorism-related activities. The operations underscore the ongoing threat within the country and the effectiveness of the government’s response.
This report evaluates the state of water security and energy cooperation in Central Asia. It underscores the importance of these issues within the region’s foreign policy agendas, given the growing environmental challenges and socio-economic demands.
This report assesses security developments and counter-terrorism strategy in Tajikistan, focusing on the first half of 2024. It highlights the security implications of rising extremist activities compounded by internal challenges such as political repression, ethnic tensions, and economic instability.
This report examines the reactions of various terrorist organisations to the assassination of Ismail Haniyeh. The purpose is to offer a comprehensive examination of the immediate responses exhibited by significant terrorist organisations, appraise their potential strategic manoeuvres, and forecast the broader consequences for regional security.
According to Iranian and Palestinian sources, Israel allegedly assassinated Hamas’s political chief Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran, Iran. The attack occurred during Haniyeh’s attendance at the Iranian president’s inauguration. This incident may lead to significant regional escalation and impact on Middle Eastern geopolitics.
Some sources indicate that terrorists, trained in a specialised UAV centre in Kunduz, Afghanistan, plan to execute attacks during the 2024 Paris Olympics. The existing threat of “drone jihad”, potentially involving graduates from the centre already present in Europe, requires urgent and stringent counterterrorism measures.
The potential for economic cooperation between Uzbekistan and African countries is significant, with key sectors such as agriculture, mining, and industrial goods offering substantial opportunities for growth in bilateral trade. This report examines Tashkent’s key African partners and highlights the investment prospects arising from the economic collaboration between Uzbekistan and Africa.
Tajikistan presents a moderate risk profile for investors because of its political stability under authoritarian rule, weak economic development, and significant security challenges. Although the country has substantial natural resources and strategic ties with Russia and China, pervasive corruption, poor infrastructure, and proximity to conflict zones undermine its investment attractiveness.
Cyprus, a historically and culturally rich island nation situated at the nexus of the Eastern Mediterranean, embodies a unique blend of European and Asian influences. This report delves into the complexities of Cyprus’s geopolitical scenario, examining the multifaceted affects of its division, international relations, and resource discoveries.
Al Azaim Foundation, the ISKP media branch, recently published an article titled “The Caliphate: the Last Pillar of the Islamic Nation” which underscored the group’s ideological commitment to the concept of the Caliphate, hailing it as a divinely ordained entity and portraying it as the ultimate saviour of the Islamic Ummah (community).
China’s involvement in Myanmar (Burma), particularly in supporting ethnic military alliances, is a complex and evolving issue. China has strategic interests in Myanmar, including economic investments, infrastructure projects under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), and a desire to maintain stability in its neighboring country and trade partner.
Al Azaim Foundation, the Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISKP) media wing, recently released a video titled “Followers of the Jews” that represents a strategic attempt to undermine the Taliban’s religious authority in Afghanistan.
The recent Trump-Biden U.S. presidential holds considerable significance given the current global geopolitical landscape. In Eurasia, the forthcoming president will encounter crucial challenges, such as the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, the Israeli-Palestinian crisis, the resurgence of terrorism, the growing tensions in the Asia-Pacific region over Taiwan, and the multifaceted confrontations involving China, Russia, and Iran in an increasingly multipolar global landscape.
The recent defence pact established between Russia and North Korea represents a notable escalation in Eurasian geopolitical dynamics, carrying the potential for wide-ranging consequences. Following the signing of this agreement, according to Seoul’s sources, there is the eventuality that Pyongyang will deploy military engineering units to support Russian forces in the Ukrainian conflict.
In response to the US strategy of political-military containment in the Asia-Pacific region, the People’s Republic of China (PRC) has recognised the strategic importance of the China-Mongolia-Russia Economic Corridor (a component of the Belt and Road Initiative) in enhancing the energy-industrial infrastructure and expanding the Chinese economic and cultural influence in Central Asia.
On June 19th, 2024, Russian President Vladimir Putin made a landmark visit to Pyongyang, marking his first visit to North Korea in almost a quarter-century. This visit signifies a deepening of the already complex and strategic relationship between Moscow and Pyongyang, driven by mutual geopolitical interests and a shared opposition to U.S. influence.
This report provides an analysis of recent terrorist incidents within the Russian Federation, focusing on the mutiny at a provincial detention centre in Rostov-on-Don and its connection with the Islamic State.
Kyrgyzstan faced a significant terrorism risk stemming from the activities of radical groups linked to international terrorist organisations, such as the Islamic State. Recent counter-terrorism operation near Bishkek highlighted both the active recruitment efforts targeting Kyrgyz youth and the nation’s challenges in addressing these threats effectively.
Russia is bolstering its energy relations with India through a strategic partnership involving Iran for coal exports, leveraging the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC) to facilitate coal exports.
The World Economic Forum’s (WEF) latest Chief Economists Outlook presents a cautiously optimistic view of the global economy despite ongoing geopolitical conflicts and domestic political volatility.
The inaugural South Korea-Africa Summit, held on June 5-6, 2024, near Seoul, marks a historic shift in the economic and trade relations between South Korea and Africa.
Russia is gearing up to host the SPIEF 2024, a pivotal annual event that unites Russia’s business partners and provides a platform for bilateral agreements while addressing current global issues. Kazakhstan will participate in the event, aiming to strengthen its established partnerships with Moscow and Beijing and to forge new connections with the growing economies of Asia.