-
Kazakh President’s Visit to Italy and Strategic Implications
President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s official visit to Italy marks a pivotal moment in bilateral relations, emphasising shared interests in energy diversification, technology, and infrastructure. The visit resulted in significant progress, with seven intergovernmental agreements, and 16 commercial memoranda signed. Key projects, including a joint venture between Eni and KazMunayGas for a hybrid power plant, underscore the expanding…
-
The Geopolitical Implications of UAE-Dagestan Collaboration in Education
Dagestan State Pedagogical University (DSPU) and Mohammed bin Zayed University of Humanities in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) recently entered into a cooperative agreement, primarily focusing on student and teacher exchanges and collaborations in education. This development underscores Abu Dhabi’s foreign policy interests in the North Caucasus, especially given the Emirati embassy’s cultural initiatives in Dagestan.
-
Beyond Trade Routes: Geopolitical Chess in the Red Sea
The Red Sea, historically a vital trade route, is now a focal point for complex geopolitical dynamics driven by major global powers and regional actors. China’s Belt & Road Initiative (BRI) has spurred significant infrastructure investments and military presence, amplifying competition with the United States and other stakeholders
-
Uzbekistan Economic Performance in 2023, Country’s Future Development and the Karakalpakstan’s Issue
In 2023, the World Bank reported positive economic growth in Uzbekistan. However, the broader macro region, which encompasses Central Asia and Europe, presents intriguing dynamics. Despite the economic upturn, the Central Asian republic continues to grapple with pressing domestic challenges.
-
Achieving the impossible? Exploring a New Energy Pathway via a Turkmenistan-Iran-Iraq Potential Trilateral Cooperation
The trilateral cooperation in the energy field between Turkmenistan, Iran, and Iraq might significantly impact the Eurasian geopolitical chessboard and transform these countries as natural gas exporters and alternative key actors in the Middle East and Central Asia.
-
Geopolitical Risk in the Red Sea
The US and British militaries conducted a significant retaliatory strike against Houthi forces in Yemen, targeting over 60 sites. President Biden emphasised that these strikes were in response to Houthi attacks on international maritime vessels, posing threats to personnel, civilian mariners, and trade and increasing the regional geopolitical risk.
-
Tajikistan’s 2023 in Review Between Government’s Optimism and the Country’s Challenges
Although Tajik President Emomali Rahmon announced to the nation a prosperous future, Tajikistan still faces essential problems related to domestic stability, the threat coming from neighbouring Afghanistan, the government’s management of Gorno-Badakhshan, and the economic performance.
-
Central Asia: What to Watch in 2024
Our primary aim is to facilitate informed decision-making and proactively anticipate potential challenges in Central Asia. We achieve this by thoroughly assessing and closely monitoring the region’s significant geopolitical dynamics. Through this report, we present a nuanced perspective on the factors that demand continuous scrutiny, fostering a proactive approach to navigate the complex geopolitical currents…
-
Iran: Implications of Recent Kerman’s Attacks and the Islamic State Regional Resurgence
The terrorist attack organised by the Islamic State in the Iranian city of Kerman highlighted the terrorist group’s resurgence and increasing threat in the Middle East, especially against the Shia community.
-
North Caucasus’ Economic Performance in 2023: An Overview
While the North Caucasus Federal District demonstrates resilience, potential risks include external geopolitical influences and the need for sustained economic stability. The region’s dependency on tourism growth demands careful management to avoid overreliance on a single sector. Additionally, monitoring external pressures on the Russian economy remains crucial for sustained development.
-
Terrorist Attack in Iran: A Preliminary Analysis
Two bomb explosions near the tomb of Iranian General Qasem Soleimani have resulted in at least 103 fatalities and numerous injuries in Kerman. The incident occurred on the fourth anniversary of Soleimani’s US drone strike assassination.
-
Diyanet’s Role to Promote Turkey in Central Asia and Russia
Despite its recognition, Diyanet has been embroiled in scandals in Europe, particularly related to illegal intelligence activities and financial transactions. Its active involvement in the post-Soviet space, notably in Central Asia and Russia, reflects its role as a tool of Turkish “soft power” and an avenue for cultural and humanitarian dialogue.
-
EAEU-Iran: Towards the Creation of a Full-Fledged Free Trade Zone
The recent signing of the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) and the Islamic Republic of Iran represents a significant milestone in Iran’s regional economic integration. Tehran’s substantial concessions in regulatory and tariff domains, coupled with its imminent BRICS membership, underscore a strategic move towards deeper engagement with Eurasian markets.
-
Geopolitics of EU Strategy in Central Asia
The evolution of EU policy towards Central Asian countries, transitioning from aid-driven reforms to a strategic focus on energy security and cross-country cooperation, has entered a new phase in 2022.Geopolitical considerations increasingly influenced the European Union’s engagement, particularly in countering Russian and Chinese influence.