Regional Connectivity: Tajikistan’s Race to Finish CASA-1000 by 2026
The CASA-1000 project (Central Asia–South Asia power transmission line) is a landmark energy initiative aiming to bridge two regions. It was launched in the...
Fighting Trafficking in Central Asia: GAATW’s Battle to Protect Migrant Women
When the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) was launched, the promise of regional integration sounded promising with more job opportunities, economic growth, and cross-border labor...
The Failure of Russia’s “Shadow War” Strategy: The Collapse of the Assad Regime in Syria
In December 2024, history recorded the collapse of the Bashar al-Assad regime in Syria when Russian support should have been at its peak. Over...
The Illusion of Resilience: How the War is Hollowing out Putin’s Feudal Economy
At first glance, after three years of the war and economic sanctions, Russia’s economy appears remarkably stable. Output is rising, unemployment is at a...
The West Should End Russia’s Great Power Delusions
Three years ago, Russia started its full-scale invasion of Ukraine. As the war goes on and the situation on the battlefield changes regularly, explanations...
China’s role in the SCO and its impact on the stability of Central Asia
China has long positioned itself as a major power in the Asian region in terms of its economy, military, and political influence. The country’s...
Power at the Brink: Looming Leadership Crises in China and Russia
In recent decades, both Russia and China have increasingly concentrated power in the hands of their respective leaders — Vladimir Putin in Russia and...
Russia and Cuba Bristling at Growing Bilateral Ties
The State Duma, Russia's lower chamber of legislators, bristled in late March 2025 at the strengthening multifaceted ties with Cuba during the first-class interaction...
Why Putin Decided to Invade Ukraine: A War for Ego, Not Russian Interests
As the war in Ukraine enters its fourth year, discussions about a potential armistice, and even cautious hopes for peace, have begun, fueled by...
Is Russia really isolated? The increasing importance of East and South diplomacy
When Western countries imposed sanctions on Russia following the 2022 invasion of Ukraine, many predicted that Moscow would face deep international isolation. However, rather...