A spate of arrests in Tajikistan come as President Emomali Rahmon prepares to step down in favor of his son.

The pandemic, the war in Ukraine, and an anti-migrant crackdown mean Russia is an increasingly unattractive destination for Central Asian laborers. Some are looking instead to other Asian and European countries.

Russia’s use of the Caspian Sea for military purposes and its reduction of water flow from the Volga are damaging the sea’s already fragile ecosystem.

Russia-China competition and an expanded membership have turned the Eurasian security grouping into little more than a talking shop.

Although there are potential security and economic benefits for Moscow to be gained from closer ties to Afghanistan, they will be difficult to achieve. 

Central Asian and South Caucasus nations should use the interest in East–West trade through their territory to boost regional connectivity.