C5+ Solution: Japan’s Minilateral Diplomacy and Central Asia’s Balancing Act
How Japan-originated C5+ format helps the least integrated region navigate global power rivalry Caught between the assertive interests of Russia and China, and the more distant but nonetheless present engagement of the European Union and the United States, the five Central Asian republics – Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan – face a…
Failure of Value-Based Politics: Implications for Central Asia
If there is one underestimated political trend that defined the global transformations of 2024, it is the erosion of value-based politics. This shift – a growing skepticism toward policies and alliances premised on shared values – has profoundly influenced international relations. Key developments such as the rise of middle powers, the conservative wave in Europe…
Understanding Kazakhstan’s Middle Power Strategy
Kazakhstan has emerged as a pivotal player in the region. Its geographical position, bordering both Russia and China, not only makes it a land bridge connecting different parts of the Eurasian continent but also serves as a buffer shielding the region from the direct influence of great power rivalry. The relative stability of Central Asia,…
