Soviet reunion in the air as USSR centenary approaches

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
Soviet reunion in the air as USSR centenary approaches

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
Soviet reunion in the air as USSR centenary approaches

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

Stay updated

Learn more

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.

Learn more

Content

BelarusAlert

Jan 12, 2022

Soviet reunion in the air as USSR centenary approaches

By Brian Whitmore

2022 will see the one hundredth anniversary of the USSR. The centenary comes at a time when Russian President Vladimir Putin is increasingly reasserting Moscow's influence across the former Soviet empire.

Belarus
Central Asia

In the News

Jan 10, 2022

Ashford in Politico: “Emma Ashford and Matthew Kroenig debate whether the unrest will inflame tensions between Russia and the West.”

By Atlantic Council

On January 10, Ashford and Matthew Kroenig’s “It’s Debatable” column was featured in Politico’s Global Insider newsletter. “Kazakhstan’s main military relationship is with the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO), which replaced the Warsaw Pact for Russia and some Central Asian states. Tokayev has appealed for the CSTO to intervene in the ongoing unrest, and small […]

Central Asia
English

In the News

Jan 9, 2022

Ashford on NPR: “Even if we wanted to intervene … we just don’t have that much leverage in Kazakhstan.”

By Atlantic Council

On January 9, Emma Ashford was interviewed by NPR Morning Edition on the Russian intervention in Kazakhstan. “Even if we wanted to intervene, even if there was a clear side upon which we thought we could intervene – which I don’t think there is – we just don’t have that much leverage in Kazakhstan. We […]

Central Asia
English

BelarusAlert

Jan 9, 2022

From Kazakhstan to Belarus, aftershocks of Soviet collapse continue

By Alesia Rudnik

The crisis is Kazakhstan is a reminder that more than thirty years since the USSR ceased to exist, the aftershocks of authoritarian empire continue to shape the geopolitical landscape from Minsk to Almaty.

Belarus
Central Asia

Fast Thinking

Jan 6, 2022

FAST THINKING: Is Kazakhstan’s crisis the Kremlin’s next opportunity?

By Atlantic Council

Our experts explain what this moment means for the authoritarian, energy-rich Central Asian nation—and why Russia is watching with equal parts interest and unease.

Central Asia
Crisis Management

New Atlanticist

Jan 6, 2022

How Kazakhstan could shift Putin’s calculus on Ukraine

By John E. Herbst

The unrest poses a question for Putin: Should he continue his intimidation campaign on his western flank or address the dangers to his south? 

Central Asia
Crisis Management

New Atlanticist

Jan 5, 2022

Kazakhstan is in chaos. Here’s why the West should be watching.

By Dan Peleschuk

Atlantic Council experts break down what's at stake for Russia, energy supplies, and the future of the strategically located Central Asian nation.

Central Asia
Europe & Eurasia
President of Russia Vladimir Putin and President of China Xi Jinping look on during a signing ceremony.

Report

Dec 21, 2021

Axis of collusion: The fragile Putin-Xi partnership

By Harley Balzer

The close relationship between the leaders of Russia and China drives what many think is a developing Sino-Russian alliance, but tensions over deep issues remain. Just how close are these great powers?

Central Asia
China

SouthAsiaSource

Sep 22, 2021

Experts react: 2021 Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Tajikistan

By South Asia Center

On September 17, the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) held a heads-of-state summit in Dushanbe, Tajikistan, in a hybrid virtual and in-person setting. Consisting of China, India, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Russia, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and most recently Iran, the SCO meeting primarily discussed the evolving situation in Afghanistan and its ramifications for member states as well as the international community more broadly.

Afghanistan
Central Asia

EnergySource

Sep 20, 2021

Will a Taliban victory advance TAPI?

By Steve Mann

The Taliban's ascent in Afghanistan has shaken up the prospects for a pipeline from Turkmenistan to India. Financial and reputational risks abound, and though a few possibilities remain, they possess serious limitations, calling the pipeline's future into question.

Central Asia
Energy & Environment
Load More

Experts

Millennium fellow

Arvid Bell

CEO and Co-Founder, Anadyr Horizon

Millennium Leadership Program

Central Asia Economy & Business

Millennium fellow

Ramzi Abunemreh

Architectural Manager, Consolidated Contractors Company

Millennium Leadership Program

Central Asia Economy & Business

Staff

Rayhan Asat

Senior Legal & Policy Advisor, China Lead

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Central Asia China

Fellow

Ariel Cohen

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Eurasia Center

Central Asia Politics & Diplomacy

Staff

Andrew D’Anieri

Associate Director

Eurasia Center

Ukraine Political Reform

Staff

John E. Herbst

Senior Director

Eurasia Center

Ukraine Politics & Diplomacy
Load More

Events

Public Event Thu, November 20, 2025 • 10:00 am ET

Turkish presence in Central Asia and its implications for US policy
Central Asia Europe & Eurasia NATO NATO Partnerships