What Russia’s war on Ukraine means for Central Asia 

Issue Brief Jul 3, 2024

Caspian contributions to energy security in Europe

By John M. Roberts and Julian Bowden

This issue brief explores the potential for Caspian region fossil fuel developments to meet Europe’s energy needs, considering regional factors and challenges.
Central Asia Europe & Eurasia
What Russia’s war on Ukraine means for Central Asia 

New Atlanticist Jun 5, 2024

A high-level official’s conviction opens the door for progress on women’s rights in Kazakhstan

By Margarita Assenova

A former economy minister’s murder case has sparked renewed efforts to confront domestic abuse and promote women’s rights in Kazakhstan.
Central Asia Human Rights
What Russia’s war on Ukraine means for Central Asia 

TURKEYSource May 22, 2024

There’s an alternative to Russian-based trade routes—but it needs support from the US, EU, and Turkey

By Arnold C. Dupuy

The Middle Corridor can offer an alternative to the Russian-based Northern Corridor, as long as countries can surmount these remaining challenges.
Central Asia Economy & Business

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The Eurasia Center’s mission is to enhance transatlantic cooperation in promoting stability, democratic values and prosperity in Eurasia, from Eastern Europe and Turkey in the West to the Caucasus, Russia and Central Asia in the East.

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Content

New Atlanticist

Aug 15, 2025

What Russia’s war on Ukraine means for Central Asia 

By Tatiana Gfoeller

The course of Russia’s war against Ukraine will have massive implications for Moscow and Beijing’s competition for influence in Central Asia.

Central Asia China

Issue Brief

Aug 15, 2025

The future of US and Japanese engagement with Central Asia

By Kyoko Imai

Situated between China and Russia, and with an abundance of vital natural resources, Central Asia is an area of strategic interest for Tokyo and Washington. Beijing and Moscow currently enjoy overwhelming political, economic, and cultural influence, which limits other countries’ ability to constructively shape the region. Some friction has emerged between the two authoritarian powers as post-Soviet dominance over Central Asia erodes and Chinese economic influence takes its place.

Central Asia China

In the News

Jul 1, 2025

CBDC Tracker cited in a National Bank of Kazakhstan report on digital tenge issuance

Read the full report here

Central Asia Digital Currencies

Report

Jun 23, 2025

Building electricity bridges: The critical role of high-voltage direct current lines

By Joseph Webster, Frank Willey

A report on the potential of long distance HVDC electric cables and their critical role in regional connectivity for a secure, affordable, and cleaner energy future.

Africa Central Asia

New Atlanticist

Jun 9, 2025

Turkmenistan’s deepening water crisis could have far-reaching regional consequences

By Rasul Satymov

Turkmenistan’s water crisis could have significant economic and political ramifications well beyond its borders.

Central Asia Corruption

New Atlanticist

Jun 3, 2025

How Kazakhstan can anchor a resilient rare‑earth supply chain for the West

By Miras Zhiyenbayev

By partnering with Kazakhstan on rare-earth element mining, the United States can reduce its dependence on China and build a more secure critical minerals supply chain.

Central Asia Energy & Environment

Report

Jun 2, 2025

Why the Middle Corridor matters amid a geopolitical resorting

By Karel Valansi

As an influence war is intensifying over transit routes, the West must immediately recognize the strategic importance of the Middle Corridor.

Central Asia Economy & Business

Report

Jun 2, 2025

Transatlantic relations and a region in flux

By Atlantic Council Turkey Program

The fifth issue of the Defense Journal by Atlantic Council IN TURKEY assesses key dynamics as we enter a new era.

Central Asia Conflict

In the News

May 9, 2025

Tahir in MSNBC on RFE/RL, VOA funding

By Muhammad Tahir

On May 9, Muhammad Tahir, nonresident senior fellow at the Atlantic Council’s Eurasia Center and former RFE/RL Central and South Asia liaison in Washington, DC, was published in MSNBC on the future of RFE/RL, Voice of America, and funding for international media.

Central Asia Europe & Eurasia

New Atlanticist

Apr 29, 2025

Are small modular reactors in Kazakhstan’s nuclear energy future?

By Aruzhan Meirkhanova

While Kazakhstan’s immediate nuclear focus is on a large-scale power plant, in the coming years small modular reactors could offer several advantages.

Central Asia Nuclear Energy
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Experts

Fellow

Brian Mefford

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Eurasia Center

Ukraine Elections

Fellow

Shuja Nawaz

Distinguished Fellow

South Asia Center

Security & Defense Politics & Diplomacy

Fellow

Rich Outzen

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Atlantic Council in Turkey

Arabic Central Asia

Fellow

Muhammad Tahir

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Eurasia Center

Central Asia Media

Staff

Joseph Webster

Senior Fellow, Global Energy Center

Global Energy Center Indo-Pacific Security Initiative

Central Asia China

Fellow

Niva Yau

Nonresident Fellow

Global China Hub

Africa Central Asia