This surge in Chinese EV imports is reshaping the automotive landscape in Central Asia and beyond. Yet, the influx of Chinese EVs also poses challenges for Uzbekistan's long-standing multi-vector foreign policy (MVFP), which aims to maintain sovereignty and avoid excessive dependence on any single power. Until now, these powers have been Russia, China and the United States (in no particular order). However, the rise of Chinese EVs represents how this framework is evolving, particularly with the technological and economic advantages they offer. Download the commentary

The Central Asian region has a unique chance to become a hub of Eurasia. This prospect promises considerable benefits for Tashkent, which, in the light of geopolitical upheavals in the Eurasian space, is rapidly balancing foreign trade relations, expanding the geography of exports and forming new, reliable transport corridors. At the same time, the Uzbek side, first of all, relies on its neighbors, as well as “near abroad” countries, including prominent representatives of the Turkic world - Azerbaijan and Turkey. Read the article Read the article in original language

On May 11th of this year, new skirmishes resumed along the Durand Line. It is evident that following the parliamentary elections, the Pakistani leadership decided to concentrate on the issue of the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), a terrorist organization that receives support from within Afghanistan and carries out attacks on Pakistani soil. In an effort to put an end to TTP activities, Islamabad has been conducting airstrikes in Afghan border areas without notifying Kabul, which has enraged the Taliban. These border conflicts continued until May 19th, but it is likely that such incidents will persist and tensions along the Durand Line will escalate. Nonetheless, the involvement of China may potentially mitigate the conflict and the ensuing crisis. According to experts, China has its own levers to influence the TTP through the Taliban.Download the policy brief

The relationship between Canada and the countries of Central Asia unfolded over the years against a backdrop of geopolitical shifts, particularly following the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991. The relationship between Canada and Central Asian countries has garnered increasing attention in recent years, driven by shared interests in economic development, cultural exchange, and geopolitical cooperation. This article aims at providing a comprehensive analysis of the multifaceted dynamics shaping the bilateral relations between Canada and the nations of Central Asia - Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. Likewise, it will delve into the region's importance from a geopolitical perspective, its economic potential for Canadian businesses, and the security interests that necessitate a robust and strategic engagement by Canada. By synthesizing existing research and offering critical insights, the article contributes to a deeper understanding of the opportunities and challenges inherent in this evolving relationship, while also identifying potential avenues for further collaboration and mutual benefit.Read the policy brief

Since the beginning of this year, Uzbekistan has held several rounds of negotiations with foreign partners on financing the construction of the Mazar-i-Sharif – Kabul – Peshawar railway. Qatar and the United Arab Emirates have been announced as potential investors. This circumstance brings the long-term project, which has been overgrown with a thick veil of skepticism during all this time, closer to reality. What prospects do trans-Afghan communications promise us and what is the strength of Uzbek transit we discuss below.Read the article 

The article shows the exceptional role of the Republic of Uzbekistan in ensuring transport connectivity of the Turkic states. Tashkent’s initiatives to expand the logistics capabilities of member countries of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS), the progress and results of their practical imple- mentation are analyzed. The potential of Uzbekistan is being revealed in the con- text of the effective use of the Trans-Caspian multimodal transport route. Examples of successful partnerships in the field of transport communications with Azerbaijan are consi-dered Special attention is paid to the problematic aspects of mul- tilateral cooperation between OTS countries on transport and transit issues. Solutions to eliminate bottlenecks are presented.Read the article