Dr. Islomkhon Gafarov, in his report “Neighbourhood Perspectives: Security Situation in Afghanistan – Implications for Central Asia, Europe, and Global Stability”, supported by Friedrich Naumann Foundation (Germany), examines Afghanistan’s evolving security landscape following the Taliban’s return to power. He argues that the Taliban, while maintaining their ideological roots, have adopted a more pragmatic approach to governance and international engagement. The report provides a historical overview, detailing how shifting geopolitical priorities, particularly the U.S. and NATO’s withdrawal, have left Afghanistan in a precarious position, struggling with internal instability and external pressures. Dr. Gafarov highlights the Taliban’s ambiguous stance on terrorism, noting their opposition to the Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISKP) while simultaneously fostering ties with groups such as Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), which continues to pose a challenge to regional security.   The author further explores Afghanistan’s relationships with neighbouring states, illustrating how the Taliban have sought to diversify their foreign engagements to counterbalance their dependence on Pakistan. He outlines how Iran has emerged as a key economic partner, particularly through the development of the Chabahar port, while China has shown increasing interest in integrating Afghanistan into its Belt and Road Initiative. Dr. Gafarov also discusses India’s growing engagement, driven by its strategic interests in counterterrorism and regional connectivity, and Russia’s cautious but strengthening ties with Kabul, particularly in the fight against terrorism. Central Asian states, he argues, have taken a pragmatic approach, engaging with the Taliban to ensure regional stability while remaining wary of the ideological influence and security threats emanating from Afghanistan.   Dr. Gafarov asserts that Afghanistan’s security situation has significant implications for Europe, where concerns over terrorism, radicalization, drug trafficking, and human rights violations dominate discussions on engagement with the Taliban. He notes that while the Taliban have expressed interest in accessing European markets through Türkiye, European governments remain hesitant due to ongoing human rights abuses, particularly concerning women’s rights and freedom of expression. The report also examines the role of the European Union in providing humanitarian aid and calls for a coordinated approach with Central Asian states to address Afghanistan’s challenges collectively.   In conclusion, the report presents Afghanistan as a critical geopolitical player at the intersection of multiple regional and global interests. The author recommends that European policymakers adopt a more nuanced approach, balancing humanitarian assistance with strategic engagement while monitoring the Taliban’s evolving policies. He underscores the importance of international cooperation, particularly in counterterrorism efforts, and urges investment in economic and infrastructure projects that could contribute to Afghanistan’s long-term stability. Ultimately, he argues that while Afghanistan remains a source of significant challenges, it also offers opportunities for constructive diplomatic and economic engagement if approached with a clear and coordinated strategy.   * The Institute for Advanced International Studies (IAIS) does not take institutional positions on any issues; the views represented herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the IAIS.

The Institute for Advanced International Studies (IAIS) is proud to announce the release of its Annual Report 2024. This report offers a comprehensive overview of our achievements, research initiatives, and the transformative impact of our work over the past year. As a cornerstone of international and interdisciplinary scholarship, IAIS remains steadfast in fostering dialogue, advancing research, and building intellectual bridges across diverse fields and regions.   The report encapsulates key milestones, including our contributions to global discourse on critical topics such as international security, regional cooperation, and the implications of emerging technologies. It highlights our collaborative engagements with scholars, policymakers, and global partners, illustrating the breadth and depth of IAIS's influence.   From landmark conferences and influential publications to dynamic training programs, the Annual Report underscores our commitment to addressing contemporary challenges while nurturing the next generation of thought leaders. This document also reflects our strategic vision for the future, as we aim to further solidify our position as a leading hub for scholarly excellence and practical diplomacy.   We invite you to explore the IAIS Annual Report 2024 to gain insights into our work and join us in shaping a more interconnected and informed world.   Please, do not hesitate to reach out to our team for additional information.   Download the report

In 2023-2024 the Center for Afghanistan and South Asian Studies, in sponsorship with S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies (RSIS, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore), has conducted a detailed study to analyse the prevalence and impact of extremist propaganda disseminated through social media platforms in Central Asia. The findings of this extensive research are comprehensively reflected in the newly published report, Central Asia Media Monitoring on Radicalism and Terrorism Issues, which offers a deep insight into the strategies and narratives employed by radical groups in Uzbek, Tajik, Kazakh, Kyrgyz, and Russian language segments across various digital platforms.   This study uncovers the sophisticated methodologies used by extremist networks to exploit social media as a tool for spreading radical ideologies, recruiting followers, and mobilising actions. Through detailed monitoring of platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and Telegram, the report highlights the prevalence of extremist messaging aimed at fostering grievance, legitimising violence, and undermining regional stability. These findings underscore the urgent need for a comprehensive approach to counter radicalism in the digital sphere.   The report identifies several concerning trends in the Uzbek and Tajik language segments, where extremist narratives are heavily focused on the promotion of jihad. Radical groups exploit dissatisfaction with secular governance, combining emotional appeals with socio-religious grievances to present jihad as both a moral duty and a pathway to justice. Glorification of martyrdom, calls for armed struggle, and critiques of government restrictions on religious expression are recurring themes in this space. In many cases, influential clerics and historical figures are invoked to lend credibility to extremist rhetoric, while videos and posts showcasing the plight of Muslims in conflict zones seek to foster solidarity and drive mobilisation.   A notable strategy observed during the study is the framing of jihad as an accessible and immediate duty. The concept of “digital jihad” is increasingly propagated, encouraging individuals to contribute to the cause by sharing extremist content online. This shift reflects an adaptive strategy by radical networks, leveraging the power of social media to bypass traditional recruitment obstacles and amplify their reach.   The Russian, Kazakh, and Kyrgyz language segments reveal parallel but distinct dynamics, with anti-government rhetoric, calls for a caliphate, and criticisms of foreign policies dominating the narrative. Content promoting ethnic and cultural separatism, particularly in regions like Dagestan and Chechnya, further highlights the multifaceted nature of extremist messaging in the region. These narratives often intertwine religious rhetoric with political grievances, aiming to create a cohesive yet polarising ideological framework.   Additionally, the report emphasises the role of online platforms in mobilising financial support for extremist causes. Calls for donations to purportedly charitable initiatives linked to Syria and Palestine were prevalent, with content creators often framing these appeals as religious obligations. This tactic serves not only to secure material support but also to strengthen the emotional and ideological bond between the audience and extremist groups.   IAIS experts warn of the broader implications of these trends, noting the potential for increased social polarisation, radicalisation, and threats to national security across Central Asia. The report concludes by advocating for coordinated efforts to address this challenge, including enhanced monitoring of online platforms, the promotion of counter-narratives rooted in local values, and collaboration between governments, technology companies, and civil society.   This report, now available on the IAIS website, is an invaluable resource for policymakers, security professionals, and scholars seeking to understand and counter the complex dynamics of radicalisation in Central Asia. It reflects IAIS’s commitment to advancing regional stability and promoting a comprehensive understanding of the threats posed by extremist ideologies in the digital era.   Read and download the report here   * The Institute for Advanced International Studies (IAIS) does not take institutional positions on any issues; the views represented herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the IAIS.

The report by Dr. Azamat Seitov, Head of the Laboratory of Anthropology and Conflict Studies, reveals the current trends of cooperation between the two states based on the historical achievements and strategic vision of the leaders of these countries – Shavkat Mirziyoyev and Emomali Rakhmon. The paper was presented at an international roundtable on political cooperation in the context of Central Asian integration held in September 2024.   The author focuses on strengthening political, economic, cultural and humanitarian cooperation between the countries. It is noted that since 2016, bilateral relations have been developing with dynamic growth, which was the result of personal initiatives of the leaders and strategic approach to the issues of regional integration and stability.   Dr. Seitov highlights the key aspects of cooperation: Political will and strategic cooperation within the framework of international organizations such as CIS and SCO. Significant enhancement of economic ties, as evidenced by the growth of bilateral trade turnover, increasing from $197 million in 2016 to $757 million by 2024, as well as the implementation of major joint investment projects such as the construction of hydroelectric power plants and industrial zones. Joint efforts to develop transportation and communications infrastructure, which has allowed for the integration of railroads and roads, as well as increased freight traffic. High level of cultural interaction, including the preservation of national identity through educational programs, cultural exchanges and events that strengthen friendship ties.   The report emphasizes the important role of trusting relations between the two countries in ensuring regional security, stability and sustainable development. Seitov predicts further strengthening of relations, which will be an important contribution to the stability and prosperity of the entire Central Asian region.   Read and download the report (in Russian)

This annual flagship report, including 13 policy briefs, offers an alternative glimpse at the events and developments in and around Afghanistan, prioritizing timely and significant thematic and regional approaches. Obviously, the Taliban’s rapid surge into power in August 2021 and the subsequent measures to solidify their position reshaped relations with Afghanistan’s neighbours. Thematic analyses cover critical issues such as terrorism and extremism, humanitarian crises, transnational crime, as well as political and social problems stemming from Afghanistan. Additionally, sporadic efforts by the Taliban government to regulate the country’s economic situation are deeply analysed. The report also explores Afghanistan’s role as a centre for transport communications between its immediate and extended neighbours. Policy briefs highlight emerging concerns such as transboundary water issues and border conflicts between Afghanistan and its neighbours. Furthermore, the report underscores Afghanistan’s growing importance for Central Asian Republics (CAR) as an alternative transportation corridor diversifying away from traditional partners. Several papers assess CAR’s pragmatic foreign policy towards Afghanistan amid a challenging international environment where varying approaches to establishing formal relations with the Taliban prevail. Overall, the report presents ideas in an orthodox yet easily understandable manner, with historical events laid out chronologically to aid in understanding the contemporary developments.Download the report

With the beginning of 2024, primary elections are held in the United States, in which presidential candidates from the Democratic and Republican parties compete. Based on the results of the voting, candidates receive the support of delegates who will vote at the conventions of both parties in the summer to officially nominate their single candidate. The Democratic challenger must receive at least 1,968 of 3,934 delegate votes, and the Republican candidate must receive at least 1,215 of 2,429 delegate votes. After the “primaries” were held in more than 20 states, the obvious superiority of the main contenders emerged in both parties: Donald Trump and Joe Biden won the Republican and Democratic primaries, American media reported. Thus, they will soon be officially nominated for President of the United States by their parties. Donald Trump received 1247, Joe Biden - 2099 delegate votes. For the first time since 1912, a former US leader will challenge an incumbent. These dynamics determine key aspects of the election process, where individual states and the number of delegates play important roles.Download the review