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Central Asia
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A red monument sits on a hill with green fields in the background.
commentary
How Local Realities Compelled China to Adapt Its Soft-Power Strategy in Kazakhstan

China has strategically pushed into education, culture, media, and art—especially in the Kazakh language.

  • Berikbol Dukeyev
· September 30, 2024
Video of Odil Gafarov discussing the role of Chinese private security contractors in Central Asia
video
Boots on the Ground: What Chinese Private Security Contractors Do in Central Asia

What are Chinese security companies doing in Central Asia—and how do they relate to China's strategic interests in the region? Odil Gafarov discusses the diverse operations of Chinese security companies in various Central Asian countries and explores the implications they hold for the broader region.

  • Odil Gafarov
· September 9, 2024
The monument to the independence of Kazakhstan and the akimat (mayor's office) of the city of Alata on an autumn morning
article
Nobody’s Backyard: A Confident Central Asia

The decline of the United States’ influence in Eurasia and Russia’s aggression against Ukraine have thrust the smaller nations of Central Asia into the global spotlight.

  • Temur Umarov
· September 5, 2024
Pale blue arch road sign in foreground in front of a a car riding along the Bishkek - Karakol road along dusty brown mountains
commentary
Chinese Lending Adapts to Central Asia’s Realities

China’s relationships with Central Asian borrowers are hardly one-size-fits-all. Chinese financial players have adapted and used different models, demonstrating the country’s flexibility as a lender.

  • Nargiza Muratalieva
· August 19, 2024
video
How Is China Shaping the Future of Alternative Energy in Central Asia?

Why are Central Asian countries switching to alternative energy despite having significant natural gas and crude oil reserves? And how has China's approach to entering this alternative energy market evolved over time?

  • Yunis Sharifli
· August 8, 2024
commentary
Boots On the Ground: What Chinese Private Security Contractors Do in Central Asia

And how they adapted to local market demands and security challenges.

  • Odil Gafarov
· August 1, 2024
commentary
Green New Wave: How China Adapts to Central Asia’s Renewable Energy Landscape

China has been investing in solar and wind energy projects in Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, increasingly adapting its approach to the needs and regulations in each country.

  • Yunis Sharifli
· April 19, 2024
commentary
Carnegie Politika
Moscow Terror Attack Spotlights Russia-Tajikistan Ties

The suspected shooters in the Crocus City attack were Tajiks, which has caused a backlash against labor migrants in Russia. Relations between Tajikistan and Russia, however, are unlikely to be impacted.

  • Temur Umarov
· March 28, 2024
commentary
To Secure Kazakhstan’s Uranium, Chinese Players Were Compelled to Accommodate Local Partners

Kazakhstan has leveraged its natural uranium resources to hold the reins in its nuclear fuel–related dealings with China.

· March 26, 2024
commentary
China and Russia’s Overlapping Interests in Central Asia

Russia has its Eurasian Economic Union, and China has its Belt and Road Initiative. For both projects, Central Asia is important.

  • Temur Umarov
· February 22, 2024