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Opinion: ‘The new South Caucasus — control over corridors, not territories, is becoming decisive’
The South Caucasus is undergoing a profound transformation, shifting its defining logic from territorial conflicts to control over routes and infrastructure. Georgian political analyst Paata Zakareishvili highlights that integration into gl
Clashes, protests, and raids: The story of backlash to China in Kyrgyzstan
Kyrgyzstan presents a distinct paradox within Central Asia, experiencing the region’s most pronounced public backlash against China's growing influence. This resistance unfolds even as Beijing solidifies its position as Bishkek’s primary ec
China-Kyrgyzstan Trade Gap Widens As Conflicting Data Raises Transparency Concerns
A persistent and widening divergence in official trade statistics between Kyrgyzstan and China is prompting growing scrutiny. This discrepancy highlights significant systemic vulnerabilities within a crucial Central Asian trade artery, exte
Trump Organisation to build 70-storey Trump Tower Tbilisi along with local partners
The Trump Organisation has announced plans for a 70-storey Trump Tower in Tbilisi, a significant undertaking poised to reshape the city’s skyline. This venture, described as a mixed-use development featuring luxury residences, retail, dinin
Russian MP’s visit to flood-stricken Daghestan backfires after clash with blogger
Russian MP Biysultan Khamzaev's recent visit to flood-stricken Dagestan sparked widespread anger, foregrounding complex dynamics between official state representation and informal public philanthropy. His public rebuke of a generous blogger
Kazakhstan's Mineral Wealth Draws Western Investment — But on Whose Terms?
As the EU and US compete with China for access to rare earths, Astana is playing all sides with growing confidence — a sign of a country that has learned to monetize its geography.
Mongolia’s Rail Gambit: Corridor Could Reshape Trade Routes
Ulaanbaatar is in advanced talks with Japan and South Korea to fund an alternative trans-Mongolian rail line — a strategic pivot that signals discomfort with dependence on Russian transit.
Tajikistan’s Debt to China: A New Dependency?
Half of Tajikistan’s external debt is now owed to a single creditor in Beijing. New loan terms reveal a quietly tightening grip.
Kyrgyzstan’s Constitutional Drift Toward Autocracy
A series of amendments and a new media law signal that the once-pluralistic system is consolidating around a single executive figure.
The SCO Paradox: Security Without Trust
The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation just held its largest summit ever. The agreed agenda, like always, is the agenda no member actually believes in.
Trans-Caspian Pipeline: Who Gains, Who Loses?
Turkmen gas could finally reach European markets via a new sub-sea pipeline. The geopolitics is harder than the engineering.
BRI at 13: Central Asia’s Balance Sheet
A decade after the Belt and Road announcement, the regional ledger shows clear winners, clear losers, and several open accounts.