Category:Post-Soviet Space
Turkmenistan and Turkey Strengthen their Bilateral Relations
This report evaluates the strategic deepening of Turkmenistan-Turkey relations as of March 2026, following key diplomatic summits in Istanbul and Ankara.
Trade as Leverage: Russia’s Enduring Economic Role in Armenia
This report evaluates Armenia’s trade relationship with Russia, focusing on economic interdependence and its strategic implications.
Central Asia and the Consequences of the US-Israel War Against Iran
This report investigates the ramifications and repercussions of the US-Israeli war with Iran for the Central Asian republics.
Iran–Azerbaijan Tension Amidst the Middle East War
Azerbaijan reported that drones launched from Iran struck its Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic on 5 March 2026, damaging civilian infrastructure and injuring residents, prompting official protests and demands for explanation.
How Russian and Chinese Tech Underpins Iranian Strategic Depth
This report assesses the geopolitical ramifications of the 28 February 2026 joint US-Israeli military strikes on the Islamic Republic of Iran, specifically regarding the degradation of Iranian strategic depth.
Islamic State Supporters Claimed Responsibility for the Recent Terrorist Attack in Moscow
The recent terrorist attack in Moscow has generated a dichotomy of narratives: while Russian sources have posited a Ukrainian connection, an unofficial media entity linked to the Islamic State Caucasus Province has claimed responsibility for the attack.
Belarus Discusses Economic Opportunities with the Afghanistan
Belarus has pursued direct economic engagement with the Taliban-led Afghan government, prioritising machinery, agriculture, pharmaceuticals, and infrastructure projects.
India-China’s Competition in Central Asia: A Geopolitical Risk Assessment
This report evaluates the shifting economic and strategic equilibrium in Central Asia, driven by the developing relationship between New Delhi and Beijing.
Nikolai Patrushev’s Interview on the Russian Maritime Strategy: Why Matters?
This report highlights that, besides the interview’s narrative, Patrushev detailed Moscow’s future actions concerning the Russian military navy.
Tajikistan Geopolitical Risk Profile 2026
Tajikistan’s internal and external risks remain medium-high in 2026 because of entrenched strong centralised government, economic weaknesses, and ongoing security tensions.
United States–Central Asia Economic Engagement and the B5+1 Business Forum
This report assesses recent United States–Central Asia economic engagement through the B5+1 Business Forum held in Bishkek in February 2026.
Deepening Kazakhstan–Israel Cooperation: Economic Signals, Risks, and Strategic Effects
This report reviews the acceleration of Kazakhstan–Israel cooperation across defence, technology, and diplomacy, assessed through recent political and economic milestones.
Russia Discussed Defence and Military Cooperation with Afghanistan
Russian Deputy Defence Minister Vasily Osmakov and Taliban Deputy Defence Minister Mohammad Farid met in Moscow on 29 January 2026 to formalise military cooperation.
Russia FSB Eliminated Islamic State Supporters in Dagestan
The Russian Federal Security Service’s neutralisation of two Islamic State supporters in Dagestan underscored the persistent security threats within the North Caucasian region and the capacity of extremist propaganda and recruitment networks to infiltrate local communities.
Armenia and the TRIPP Corridor: Russia’s Calculated Risk in the South Caucasus
This report assesses Armenia’s decision to advance the TRIPP corridor by restoring a dormant Soviet-era rail section linking Azerbaijan to Nakhchivan via Armenian territory, within a context of accelerating geopolitical realignment towards the West.
Abkhazia: Detention of British National Accused of Spying Local Defence Infrastructure
Executive Summary This report examines the 26 January 2026 detention and expulsion of British national Kuldip Singh by the Abkhaz State Security Service (SGB) for suspected espionage.
Georgia’s Joint Customs Initiative with Armenia and Azerbaijan: Economic Signalling and Implications for Caucasus Stability
This report assesses Georgia’s recent agreement to establish joint customs checkpoints with Armenia and Azerbaijan and its broader strategy to position itself as a regional logistics hub.
Astrakhan as a Regional Gateway: Russia Strengthens Afghan Economic Integration
The report analyses the 3rd Astrakhan International Forum, highlighting Russia’s strategic initiative to position Astrakhan as a regional trade and logistics hub connecting the INSTC with emerging markets and Afghanistan.
Caught in the Middle: Armenia between the United States and Iran
This assessment analyses how renewed United States tariffs on countries trading with Tehran, combined with internal instability in Iran, affect Armenia’s economic resilience and strategic posture.
Caucasus Geopolitical Risk 2026
The Caucasus region enters 2026 in a state of profound transformation, characterised by the shift from traditional “frozen conflicts” to a high-stakes competition over transcontinental trade corridors.
Is Russia Ready to Intervene in the Current Iranian Protests to Support Tehran?
This report examines Russia’s readiness to assist Iran in suppressing the protests by analysing the strategic partnership between Moscow and Tehran.
Adygea: FSB Arrested a Central Asian Citizen Accused of Terrorism
Executive Summary This report assesses the recent disruption of a terrorist plot in Maikop, Republic of Adygea, by the Federal Security Service (FSB).
Central Asia Geopolitical Risk 2026
Central Asia will enter 2026 with relative surface stability because of better regional coordination and no immediate interstate conflict.
Putin’s 2025 Address and Russia’s Military, Political and Economic Framework
This report analyses President Vladimir Putin’s “Results of the Year” address, delivered on December 19, 2025.
Kyrgyzstan Expands Economic Engagement with Afghanistan, Opening a Trade House in Kabul
This report examines Kyrgyzstan’s strategic expansion of economic engagement with Afghanistan through the establishment of a permanent Trade House in Kabul, assessing its political, economic, and security implications.
Russian Counterterrorism Assessment 2025: Trends, Risks, and Strategic Implications
The report assesses Russian security by analysing recent data from the FSB and NAC regarding terrorism threats and violent trends within the nation in 2025.
Kazakhstan – Afghanistan Transit and Economic Nexus via Hairatan
This report analyses the economic and strategic conversations held between Kazakhstan and Afghanistan in Mazar-i-Sharif focused on bilateral trade, humanitarian aid, and the strengthening of transit corridors.
25th Anniversary of the Declaration on Strategic Partnership between India and Russia
This report provides an assessment and analysis of the 25th Anniversary of the Declaration on Strategic Partnership between India and Russia in the period of changing geopolitical environment in world politics.
Astana-Kyiv’s Relations and Kazakh Oil Export After the CPC Terminal Attack
Executive Summary This report evaluates the current relations between Ukraine and Kazakhstan after the naval drone strike on the Caspian Pipeline Consortium (CPC) terminal near Novorossiysk on November 29, 2025, and Astana’s formal protest to Kyiv.
Understanding Central Asia’s Dynamics: Interview with Alberto Frigerio
SpecialEurasia engaged Alberto Frigerio, Full Professors at Narxoz University in Almaty, in order to improve understanding of Central Asia and its changing dynamics.
Tajikistan and the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan: Towards a Central Asian Normalisation of the de facto current Taliban regime?
This report aims to evaluate the developing diplomatic relations between Tajikistan and the Taliban, following the recent meeting in Kabul, through an analysis of pertinent events and research.
Geopolitics of Uzbekistan as a Strategic Pivot in Eurasia
This report analyses Uzbekistan’s geopolitical, economic, and security environment, assessing its strategic posture, multi-vector foreign policy, and regional influence.
Armenia, the Trump Route (TRIPP) Lease Proposal and Pashinyan’s Domestic Politics
Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has publicly stated that Yerevan is considering granting a 49- or 99-year lease for development rights to the proposed Trump Route (TRIPP), a transit corridor linking mainland Azerbaijan with the Nakhichevan exclave via Armenia’s Syunik Province.
Russia Escalates Pressure on Ukraine with Major Strike on Kyiv
The Kremlin is utilising military force, political pressure, and intimidation to compel Ukraine and its partners to adopt positions that favour Russian interests.
Russia’s Economic Forums: What to Monitor, and What Matters
This report identifies the events and regional forums that merit persistent monitoring because they produce high-value, open-source indicators of Russian strategy.
Gulf Arab Monarchies Increased Their Economic Relations with Central Asia
The Eurasian Development Bank’s first macroeconomic study on the Persian Gulf states highlights a sharp expansion in trade and investment ties between the Gulf Arab monarchies and Central Asian republics over the 2020–2024 period.
Kazakhstan and the Abraham Accords: A Look Ahead
Kazakhstan announced its intention to join the Abraham Accords during President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s visit in Washington D.C. to attend the “Central Asia + United States” Summit.
The Tajik-Uzbek Jihadism: Transnational Violence and Security Policies in Central Asia
This report aims to analyse the intersection between the Uzbek and the Tajiks, which we can consider among the most influential ethnic jihadist groups in Central Asia.
Central Asian Gas Ring: Opportunities, Risks and Geopolitical Implications
This report examines the proposed Central Asian Gas Ring, assessing its potential to stabilise regional energy supply, attract investment, and alter the geopolitical and economic balance among Central Asian states and external actors.
President Alexander Stubb’s Official Visit to Uzbekistan Marks a New Chapter in Finland–Uzbekistan Relations
This report provides an analytical overview of the upcoming official visit of the President of Finland, Alexander Stubb, to the Republic of Uzbekistan, scheduled for October 30–31, 2025.
Azerbaijan-Kazakhstan Consolidated Their Regional Cooperation and Strategy
The visit of President Ilham Aliyev to Astana on October 20-21, 2025, strengthened the strategic partnership between Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan.
Turkmenistan President’s Official Visit to Rome: Why Matters?
Turkmenistan’s President Serdar Berdimuhamedov arrived in Rome on October 24, 2025, for a state visit that involves a meeting with Italian leaders, attendance at a business forum, and the opening of an archaeological exhibition at the Musei Capitolini.
Uzbekistan–EU Relations Enter a New Era with the Signing of the Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement
This report provides an analytical overview of the upcoming signing of the Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (EPCA) between Uzbekistan and the European Union, scheduled for October 24, 2025, in Brussels.
EU Cross-Regional Connectivity and Strategic Engagement in the Black Sea, South Caucasus, and Central Asia
The EU Cross-Regional Connectivity Agenda has increased its commitment to the Black Sea, South Caucasus, and Central Asia with the purpose of improving trade, energy, and digital infrastructures and boosting security and resilience.
CIS and Russia-Central Asia Summits: Regional Dynamics and Moscow’s Strategy
The Dushanbe meetings, which occurred from October 8th to 10th, 2025, led to a collaborative set of political, security, and economic commitments within the Russia–Central Asia and CIS frameworks, resulting in 19 signed documents and the creation of a “CIS Plus” model.
Afghanistan: the Taliban Discussed Investments in Mining Sector with Russian Companies
This report examines the recent meeting in Kabul between Mullah Baradar and representatives of Russian companies focused on investments in the mining sector.
Arrest of Islamic State-Linked Individuals in Adjara, Georgia
The State Security Service of Georgia (SSG) detained three Georgian nationals in Adjara on 13 October 2025 for alleged affiliation with the so-called “Takbirist Jamaat”, a group ideologically aligned with the Islamic State.
Abkhazia SWOT Analysis
This report investigates the Republic of Abkhazia’s strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats to inform policymakers and analysts on short- to medium-term geopolitical and economic risk.
The Organisation of Turkic States Summit in Qabala: Strategic Consolidation or Regional Posturing?
The XII Summit of the Organisation of Turkic States (OTS), convened in Qabala (scheduled to open 7 October), signals a deliberate push by Ankara and Baku to translate cultural-ethnic affinity into tangible geopolitical influence.
Russian Kinetic Anti Drone “Izdelie 545” and Implications for Forward UAV Defence
Russian sources report the field testing of a new kinetic anti‑drone device designated “Izdelie‑545”. This system’s purpose is to neutralise drones within a 100–150 meter range using a projectile that interferes with their communication and control systems.
Dagestan and the International Forum on Sustainable Development of Mountain Territories: Why Matters?
The International Forum on “Sustainable Development of Mountain Territories,” convened in Makhachkala on 1–3 October 2025, constitutes a significant demonstration of Moscow’s intent to promote Dagestan’s economy and integrate the North Caucasian republic into multilateral Eurasian frameworks.
China’s Cultural Expansion in Armenia: Strategic Implications of the Confucius University Initiative
This report evaluates Armenia’s agreement with China to establish a Confucius University in Yerevan, assessing its economic, political, and strategic consequences.
Geopolitics of Gagauzia and Moldova’s EU Aspiration
This report examines the security and political repercussions of Gagauzia Governor Eugenia Guțsul’s arrest and sentencing, alongside legal actions targeting opposition figures, all in the lead-up to Moldova’s parliamentary elections on September 28, 2025.
CSTO Military Exercise “Rubezh-2025”: Intel Briefing
This report provides an assessment of the Collective Security Treaty Organisation (CSTO) military exercise “Rubezh-2025”, held in Kyrgyzstan from 17 to 20 September 2025.
Russia-Belarus Joint Military Exercise “Zapad-2025”: Intel Briefing
Russia and Belarus conducted the joint strategic exercise “Zapad-2025” from 12 to 16 September across 41 land and maritime training areas in both countries.
Kazakhstan’s Reform Path: Consolidation of Power and Strategic Modernisation
This report examines Kazakhstan’s changing internal and energy policies following President Tokayev’s State of the Nation Address on September 8, 2025.
India-Central Asia’s Trade and Economic Performance Between Opportunities and Challenges
This report assesses the current scale, constraints and strategic implications of commerce between India and the Central Asian states, based on the recent findings published by the Eurasian Development Bank and India Exim Bank.
C5+1 Secretariat Meeting in Dushanbe: Washington Confirms Its Strategic Engagement in Central Asia
This report analyses the geopolitical dynamics and economic significance of the meeting, which gathered senior officials from Central Asian states and the U.S. Department of State convened in Dushanbe under the C5+1 format.
The Eastern Economic Forum Points to the Strengthening of the Pro-Eurasian Vector of Moscow’s Policy
This report examines the geopolitical significance of the tenth Eastern Economic Forum (EEF), convened on September 3, 2025, in Vladivostok.
The Tajikistan–Afghanistan Border Clash Alarmed Regional Security
This report examines the geopolitical consequences of the armed clash on August 24, 2025, which involved Tajikistan border forces and Taliban fighters near the Panj River.
Central Asian Special Representatives on Afghanistan’s Meeting: Why Matters?
This report assesses the strategic and economic implications of the first meeting of Central Asian special representatives on Afghanistan, held in Uzbekistan on 26 August 2025.
Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan Discuss Increasing Trade Turnover to $500 Million
This report assesses the recent efforts by Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan to strengthen economic, infrastructural, and energy cooperation following their March 2025 border agreement.
Pezeshkian’s Visit to Armenia Confirms Iran’s Interests in the South Caucasus
This report analyses the official visit of Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian to Armenia, which resulted in the signing of ten memorandums covering political, economic, cultural, and scientific cooperation.
Trump–Putin Summit in Alaska: Geopolitical Implications and Strategic Narratives
This report analyses the geopolitical significance of the meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Anchorage, Alaska, on August 15, 2025.
US-Armenia Military Drills “Eagle Partner 2025” and Strategic Implications in the South Caucasus
This report investigates the geopolitical and regional outcomes and implications of the joint Armenia–US military exercises, Eagle Partner 2025, focusing on Yerevan’s domestic and external constraints and Russian leverages.
Kyrgyzstan and Afghanistan Increased Their Economic Cooperation
This report investigates Kyrgyzstan’s recent engagement with Afghanistan through targeted economic cooperation and joint projects in the energy and transport fields.
Reconnecting India and Central Asia in a Changing Geopolitical Environment
This report provides an assessment and overview of India’s foreign relations with the Central Asian Republics (CARs) based on an established new kind of platform as well as special relations in security, climate change, ICT, and trans-terror.
US-Brokered Armenia–Azerbaijan Peace Deal and the Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity
Executive Summary This report examines the peace agreement signed at the White House between Armenia and Azerbaijan, brokered by US President Donald Trump.
Armenian President Discussed the INSTC with Iranian Vice-President
This report assesses the recent meeting between the Armenian President and the Iranian Vice-President who focused their attetion on the INSTC and bilateral economic cooperation.
Turkey – Azerbaijan – Syria Gas Transit Deal Impacts the Middle Eastern Geopolitical Chessboard
This report examines how gas transit through Turkey, Azerbaijan, and Syria currently aids Damascus’ energy needs and economic growth, Baku’s export diversification efforts, and Ankara’s Middle East ambitions.
Russian–Chinese Naval Exercise “Maritime Interaction–2025” in Asia-Pacific
From 1 to 5 August 2025, the Russian Pacific Fleet and the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) are conducting a bilateral naval exercise entitled Maritime Interaction – 2025 in the Sea of Japan/East Sea.
Regional Defence Conference in Islamabad and US participation: Are Pakistan and Central Asia Seeking Alternative Military Partners?
Pakistan’s hosting of a high-level regional defence chiefs conference brought together senior military officials from the United States, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan.
Turkey and the Defence Industry Cooperation Among Turkic States Promoted at the IDEF 2025
The Organisation of Turkic States (OTS) launched a multilateral defence industry cooperation platform that represents Ankara’s strategic initiative to expand its economic and geopolitical influence in Central Asia and the South Caucasus.
Central Asian Gas Sector and Broader Economic Implications
Central Asia faces a growing natural gas shortage because of the increasing population and insufficient infrastructure.
Central Asia Economic Forum 2025: Business to Reinforce Russian Regional Presence via Tajikistan
The Central Asia Economic Forum (CAEF), held in Dushanbe in July 2025, confirmed Russia’s desire to preserve and expand its regional influence through business and cultural diplomacy.
Belarus–Tajikistan Military-Technical Cooperation: Geopolitical Significance and Operational Constraints
On 23 July 2025, Belarus and Tajikistan held the first session of their intergovernmental commission on military-technical cooperation in Minsk.
Uzbekistan-Russian Joint Military Exercise “Hamkorlik-2025”: Why Matters?
Uzbekistan concluded a week-long joint military exercise with the Russian Federation, named Hamkorlik-2025, from 15 to 21 July 2025 in Surxondaryo Region.
Uzbekistan–Afghanistan–Pakistan Railway Agreement: Strategic Assessment
The Uzbekistan–Afghanistan–Pakistan (UAP) Railway Project Agreement significantly advances regional infrastructure integration.
Insights into Armenia’s Foreign Policy and Economic Opportunities: An Interview with Ambassador Vladimir Karapetyan
SpecialEurasia recently interviewed the new Ambassador of the Republic of Armenia to Italy, H.E. Vladimir Karapetyan, to acquire insights into his vision and the current state of Armenia’s foreign relations and domestic opportunities.
Chechnya: A SWOT Analysis of China Wuhuan’s Investment Initiative
This report assesses the strategic credibility, practical feasibility, and geopolitical implications of the planned Chinese investment trip to Chechnya in July 2025.
Ukraine Recovery Plan: Strategic Risk Assessment and Investment Outlook
This report analyses Ukraine’s investment climate through a SWOT framework and offers strategic recommendations for stakeholders seeking to assess risk exposure and economic potential.
CASAREX 2025: Russian-Iranian Military Cooperation and Security Implications in the Caspian Sea Region
Russia and Iran’s joint naval exercise, CASAREX 2025, in the Caspian Sea, strongly asserts their military presence in the strategically important region.
South Caucasus: Strategic Security Risk and Russia’s Geopolitical Dynamics
Geopolitics in the Caucasus is constantly shifting, showing both division and lasting patterns. Despite pressure and diplomatic confrontation, particularly with Azerbaijan and Armenia, Russia retains influence in the South Caucasus through economic and cultural ties.
North Korea’s Military Supplies to Russia Strengthen Its Economy and Geopolitical Standing
North Korea has significantly enhanced its economic position through unprecedented military and economic collaboration with the Russian Federation.
Sukhum Airport: Geopolitics and Strategic Implications
This report examines the geopolitical effects of Sukhum Airport’s reopening and modernisation on Abkhazia, the Caucasian dynamics, and the Russian regional interests.
Ukraine: Targeted Killing of SBU Colonel Voronych
This report assesses the assassination of Colonel Ivan Voronych, a senior operative of Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU), shot dead in central Kyiv in a professionally executed operation.
Central Asia’s Emerging Problem with Narcotics Trafficking
This report highlights the significant increase in narcotics trafficking and related law enforcement operations across Central Asia, particularly in Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, and Tajikistan.
Georgia Strengths Its Role as a ‘Bridge’ Between Europe and Asia
Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze recently highlighted a two-pronged economic strategy that uses Georgia’s location to become a key transit route between Europe and Asia.
ECO Summit in Stepanakert, Baku’s Strategy and Azerbaijan-Iran Relations
The 17th Eurasian Cooperation Organisation (ECO) Summit held on 3–4 July 2025 in Stepanakert (Khankendi) stressed Azerbaijan’s domestic and regional strategy and Iran’s attempt to normalise relations with Baku.
Saudi Arabia’s Investments in Tajikistan’s Education: Cultural Diplomacy and Soft Power Recalibration
This report examines Saudi Arabia’s recent $20 million investment in Tajikistan’s education infrastructure, which is part of a larger development program totalling $325 million.
Dagestan: Economic Development, SVO Support, and Persistent Security Challenges
This report examines recent developments in Dagestan, focusing on security operations, public policy initiatives, and strategic infrastructure projects.
Russian–Armenian Relations and EU Regional Strategy: Latest Updates
This report analyses Moscow’s recent public support for Armenia’s legal system and stability, assesses how Yerevan’s pro-EU policies affect trade and defence cooperation between the two countries.
Tajikistan: Economic Vulnerabilities and Bilateral Fiscal Dynamics with Russia
This report evaluates Tajikistan’s response to the economic pressures stemming from Russia’s targeted import restrictions and Dushanbe’s concurrent implementation of a revised fiscal agreement with Moscow.
Telegram OSINT Channels Blockades and WhatsApp Disruptions in Russia: Why Matters?
This report examines the temporary suspension of multiple OSINT Telegram channels, with a focus on those affiliated with Ukraine, alongside the disruption of various Telegram and WhatsApp accounts, and assesses the resulting geopolitical and intelligence implications.
Geopolitical Risk June 2025: Caucasus, Central Asia, Middle East
This June 2025 report on geopolitical risks in the Middle East, Central Asia, and the Caucasus focuses on rising tensions, key factors, and future predictions. This helps stakeholders understand emerging threats, thus informing policy, security, and investment decisions.
Russia-Kazakhstan’s Business Dialogue: Updates from SPIEF 2025
This report analyses the current state and plans for Russia-Kazakhstan economic cooperation, as discussed at the 2025 St. Petersburg International Economic Forum’s business dialogue.
The Geopolitical Dimension of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF) 2025
This report assesses the strategic direction and geopolitical relevance of the 2025 St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF), scheduled from 18 to 21 June 2025.
Geopolitical Implications of the Iran-Israeli Conflict for the Southern Caucasus
This report analyses the developing geopolitical dynamics involving the South Caucasus, especially Armenia and Azerbaijan, set against the backdrop of the ongoing Israel-Iran conflict. It explores the threats posed to both Armenia and Iran by Israel’s military cooperation with Baku and examines the broader implications for regional stability.
