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Russia&rsquo;s use of its naval capabilities in the Caspian Sea to strike Ukraine emphasizes the strategic importance that the landlocked body of water can play. Restricted access to the Caspian Sea, an important route for transcontinental shipping and energy transit, accentuates the power disparity of the different navies and coast guards that operate in the region. The attack on Ukraine marks a shift in Russian policy, and its use of the Caspian fleet potentially reflects the changing security demands of the region as well as the traditional challenges of preventing trans-Caspian smuggling.

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We invite you to join the Caspian Policy Center for a panel discussion on the implications of Russia&rsquo;s use of the Caspian Sea on the South Caucasus and Central Asia and the long-term security challenges for the littoral states.

Assessing Caspian Naval Defenses: Threats and Opportunities

The Caspian Policy Center is proud to host 30 Years of U.S.-Caspian Relations: A Celebration to honor the 30th anniversary of partnership between the United States and the countries of the Caspian region. In coordination of Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkey, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan, the celebration will bring together policymakers, business leaders, and members of the academic community at the National Press Club to honor the accomplishments of U.S.-Caspian relationship over the past three decades.&nbsp;

Celebrating 30 Years of U.S.- Caspian Diplomatic Relations

In March and April, senior fellows, advisors, and staff of the Caspian Policy Center traveled to Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Georgia to meet with experts and officials in each of the countries. In these meetings, they learned about the energy, security, and diplomatic aspects of each country&rsquo;s current policy in the region, and what those policies mean for regional cooperation and peace. In the briefing CPC&rsquo;s experts shared their takeaways from the region&rsquo;s capitals and potential opportunities to increase U.S. engagement. and the implications of Russia&rsquo;s invasion of Ukraine. 

As Putin&rsquo;s invasion of Ukraine has further upset the geopolitical balance of a region already dealing with the consequences of COVID-19, the implications of the Russian invasion of Ukraine and the region&rsquo;s reactions were of primary focus. Additionally, the potential for progress in forming a lasting peace between Azerbaijan and Armenia was discussed. The briefing was attended by members of the diplomatic, academic, think tank, and business communities.

CPC Holds a Briefing on Trips to the South Caucasus

As Russia&rsquo;s military buildup on its border with Ukraine continues and recuring attempts at diplomacy fail, tensions between Russia and NATO have reached their highest point since the collapse of the Soviet Union. Though President Putin&rsquo;s efforts to establish Russia&rsquo;s &ldquo;privileged sphere of influence&rdquo; in the former Soviet space have currently focused on Russia&rsquo;s western flank, the impacts of his actions will reverberate across Eurasia.

We invite you to join the Caspian Policy Center for a panel discussion on the implications of the Russian military threat on the Ukrainian border for the security of the South Caucasus and Central Asia and their relationship with Russia.

Putin’s Ukraine Crisis: Implications Across Eurasia

For thirty years, U.S.- Caspian engagement has proven a critical component of regional stability and goodwill. In 2021, the countries of the Caspian region celebrated their thirtieth year of independence, and the Caspian Policy Center, which has served as a bridge between the region and the United States celebrated its fifth anniversary. To celebrate what the countries of the Caspian region have achieved in their independence and to look towards future U.S.-Caspian prosperity in the next thirty years, the Caspian Policy Center is proud to host a panel of senior representatives to discuss the past, present, and future of U.S.-Caspian relations.   &nbsp;

30 Years of U.S.-Caspian Diplomatic Relations

Kazakhstan, long seen as an example of stability in Central Asia, experienced unprecedented mass protests in reaction to increases in fuel prices. Violence later broke out in Almaty, the country&rsquo;s largest city and business hub, as crowds took over government buildings and public infrastructure. The government of Kazakhstan appealed to the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO), marking the CSTO&rsquo;s first ever mobilization.

Multiple narratives have emerged as details remain unclear in the wake of large-scale internet shutdowns throughout the country. At this event we will discuss the unrest in Kazakhstan and what it means for the country and region going forward.

Protests and Unrest in Kazakhstan: What Happened and What’s Next?

After recent events in Central Asia and Afghanistan, Ambassador Baktybek Amanbaev of Kyrgyzstan and representatives of Kyrgyzstan&rsquo;s Embassy in Washington, D.C. attended a meeting with the Caspian Policy Center and shared their thoughts on current regional and global issues. Ambassador Amanbaev discussed challenges facing the region and opportunities for U.S.-Kyrgyz cooperation. The meeting included members of Kyrgyzstan&rsquo;s Embassy and Caspian Policy Center senior fellows and staff.

Briefing at the Caspian Policy Center with Ambassador of Kyrgyzstan to the U.S. Baktybek Amanbaev

The Caspian Policy Center held a briefing on bilateral U.S.-Kazakhstani relations with Special Representative of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan for International Cooperation Erzhan Kazykhan and Ambassador of Kazakhstan to the United States Yerzhan Ashikbayev. At this briefing, new opportunities for U.S.-Kazakhstani relations were discussed as well as how the United States can strengthen the partnership between the countries. The discussants included representatives from the Embassy of Kazakhstan to the United States and members of the CPC advisory board and staff.

Briefing with the Kazakhstani Presidential Representative Erzhan Kazykhan and Ambassador of Kazakhstan to the U.S. Yerzhan Ashikbayev

A year after parliamentary election turmoil led to President Sooronbay Jeenbekov&rsquo;s resignation, the Kyrgyz Republic is holding new elections for a parliament that has seen substantial change since the prior year. During President Sadyr Japarov&rsquo;s one year in office, new challenges for the country and the region have emerged. Given the tumultuous history of parliamentary elections in the Kyrgyz Republic, the elections are a pivotal point for the country. 
The Caspian Policy Center will discuss the outcomes and implications of the most recent election. The discussion will host experts on the Kyrgyz Republic, cover the results of the parliamentary election, and what it will mean for the country and region. 
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Bishkek at the Ballot Box: An Analysis of the Kyrgyz Parliamentary Election

To follow the summit of the Turkic Council in Istanbul this November, the Caspian Policy Center is organizing a special ambassadorial briefing. This year&rsquo;s summit witnessed considerable changes to the Turkic Council, including its restructuring into the Organization of Turkic States. At this event we will hear from the ambassadors of member states, as they share their thoughts on what the organization will mean for the future of the region, and what roles it can serve to facilitate closer ties between the Turkic countries.

In addition to representatives from the embassies, the briefing will include experts from leading think tanks and key U.S. government agencies. Lunch will be provided.

Caspian Ambassadorial Briefing: The Organization of Turkic States

Thirty years ago, the Soviet Socialist Republics became independent nations and quickly set out to build international relationships, protect their sovereignty, and safeguard their national security. For the last 20 years, the ongoing U. S. military presence in Afghanistan and the struggle between the Afghan government and the Taliban have had a profound impact on the security of the Caspian region and its relationships with the United States.&nbsp; International forces departed Afghanistan on August 31, 2021, leaving the political and security outlook of Afghanistan in question, and by extension the stability of the entire Caspian region. &nbsp;The repercussions of this political, humanitarian, and military withdrawal loom large for the countries of Central Asia and the South Caucasus and have the potential to drastically alter the security outlook of the Caspian region.&nbsp; As this process plays out, the countries of the region will need to develop and employ decisive, creative, and cooperative solutions to both protect their national security and to collaborate with a diverse set of international partners.

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<h3><a href="http://caspiansecurity.org/">LEARN MORE AND REGISTER</a></h3>

Caspian Security Conference

One year ago, the Second Nagorno-Karabakh War took place, resulting in Azerbaijan regaining control of seven territories Armenian forces had long occupied as well as much of Nagorno-Karabakh itself, resulting in much of the Armenian population leaving the area, and a Russian-brokered cease-fire that included the deployment of Russian peacekeepers. That ceasefire remains in place, but there is no peace and no serious movement towards a peace agreement. While there have been some positive actions, for example, high-level talks on improving transportation connectivity and the return of some detainees and the provision of information on the location of minefields, border skirmishes and other incidents show the potential for renewed conflict.

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In light of this anniversary of the Second Nagorno-Karabakh War, the Caspian Policy Center is gathering two former U.S. ambassadors to the region for an online event to discuss the outlook for peace and reconciliation, and steps the countries in the region, as well as the United States and international organizations, can take to help Armenians and Azerbaijanis build a more peaceful, prosperous, and stable future.

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To confirm your attendance and to receive a Zoom link to join the session, please email <a href="http://jcohen@caspianpolicy.org">jcohen@caspianpolicy.org</a>.

One Year After the Nagorno-Karabakh War: A Need for Initiative

Japan and the Republic of Korea have strengthened their presence across the Caspian in recent years, particularly through a number of cultural and economic projects. Additionally, South Korea is a growing destination for Central Asian migrant workers. While much has been made of China&rsquo;s investment and aggressive foreign policy in Central Asia, Japan and South Korea&rsquo;s substantial relationships in the region are too often underestimated.&nbsp;

 
In conjunction with the Caspian Policy Center&rsquo;s new policy brief&nbsp;titled &ldquo;It&rsquo;s Not Only China: Japan and Korea&rsquo;s Growing Roles in Central Asia&rdquo; we will gather Japanese, South Korean, and regional experts to discuss the growing roles of Japan and South Korea in the Caspian and their geopolitical significance. The discussion will cover Japanese and South Korean investment, development aid, and business in the Caspian as well as high-level political contacts between Central Asia&rsquo;s capitals and Tokyo and Seoul. The experts will provide their perspective on Japan and South Korea&rsquo;s activity in the region, possible future areas of engagement, and what these important relationships can mean for the United States and others.

Japan and Korea’s Growing Economic Engagement in the Caspian

Women&rsquo;s entrepreneurship is a pathway for equitable economic growth and gender equality. The government of Tajikistan has taken a number of steps to build a favorable environment for women to start and grow businesses. Yet, new stresses posed by global responses to COVID-19 require us to rethink how to best support female-owned enterprises amidst a global pandemic with gendered consequences.

For this event, we will gather regional and international practitioners and academics to discuss key developments in women&rsquo;s entrepreneurship in Tajikistan over the past three decades. The discussion will cover the legacy of Soviet policies and civil war on gender roles, the legal and social environments in which female-owned businesses function, and the impact of technology on entrepreneurship. The speakers will also share their insights on how to best circumvent challenges posed by the global pandemic, as well as suggestions for overcoming barriers to women&rsquo;s economic empowerment in the long run.

Join this CPC webinar as we discuss the accomplishments of women&rsquo;s entrepreneurship in Tajikistan and identify pathways to their further reinforcement and expansion.

Strategies for Inclusive Economic Growth: Women’s Entrepreneurship in Tajikistan

On December 25, 1991, the United States became the first country to recognize Kazakhstan&rsquo;s independence. The thirty years of the United States-Kazakhstan partnership since then have been marked by countless achievements across diplomatic, economic, and cultural areas.

For this event, we will gather four former U.S. ambassadors to Kazakhstan to discuss the key developments in the U.S.-Kazakhstan relationship over the last three decades. The discussion will cover milestones like denuclearization, the Cooperative Threat Reduction Program, the development of the Tengiz field and the signing of the Tengizchevroil partnership, the embassy&rsquo;s move from Almaty to Nur-Sultan (then-Astana), cooperation following the 9/11 attacks, the inauguration of the C5+1 format, Expo 2017, and many other key moments. The ambassadors will also share their views on the current state of the U.S.-Kazakhstan relationship and what the next decade might hold.

Join this CPC webinar as we discuss the accomplishments of U.S.-Kazakhstan cooperation over the last three decades with diplomats who played key roles in guiding that partnership.

Thirty Years of Partnership: A Conversation with Four U.S. Ambassadors to Kazakhstan

Due in part to its strategic location at the intersection of Europe, East Asia, South Asia, and the Middle East, the Caspian region has long been an area where outside powers have competed for influence. This is no less true today, with the region attracting considerable interest from China, Russia, the United States, and the European Union, as well as other nearby powers like Turkey and Iran. Central Asia and the South Caucasus are home to a vast wealth of natural resources and straddle vital east-west and north-south transit corridors. As Russia seeks to maintain its historic position, China expands its much-touted Belt and Road Initiative, and the United States sets its sights on reengaging with the international community, the stage is set for a renewed period of great power competition in the Caspian region. With effective foreign policy and an eye towards maintaining their national sovereignty while also developing their domestic economies, the countries of the Caspian region stand to benefit from careful and balanced engagement with their international partners.

The Caspian Policy Center has recently highlighted this increasing competition in its research work. In his&nbsp;<a href="https://www.caspianpolicy.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/The-Caspian-Basin-Why-It-Matters-In-Great-Power-Competition.pdf">January policy brief</a>, Major General (ret.) Michael Repass highlighted the strategic importance of the Caspian region in Great Power Competition. In other&nbsp;<a href="https://www.caspianpolicy.org/russias-historical-defense-ties-and-chinas-rising-military-presence-in-central-asia/">recent policy briefs</a>, we have surveyed the status of Chinese, Russian, European, and American power in Central Asia, and assessed the capabilities of the Russian and Chinese militaries in the region. At this event we will delve further into these topics with experts from the diplomatic, military, and academic communities to better understand how the United States and Caspian nations can approach this period of competition in the region.

International Actors in the Caspian Region

With the COVID-19 pandemic having persisted over a year, the economic state of the world has shifted considerably. Working remotely has become commonplace for many; the impacts of digitalization and information technologies became even more apparent. Disruptions to global supply chains and questions about whether countries need to manufacture more at home came into international and domestic policy debates. At the same time, sound economic principles remained crucial to national well-being and prosperity. The Caspian region has been no exception to these global trends. As&nbsp;economies around the world emerge from the shocks produced by the pandemic, it will be&nbsp;important that the countries of the Caspian region, like those elsewhere, pursue sound policies as they reopen and rebuild.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The Heritage Foundation&rsquo;s Economic Freedom Index&nbsp;provides indications of where countries stand in terms of economic policies that encourage growth, creativity and innovation, and greater prosperity. In a discussion with the Economic Freedom index&rsquo;s authors, the Caspian Policy Center will look at the results contained in this year&rsquo;s report, including why countries&rsquo; places changed in the rankings and what these findings may mean as countries of the Caspian region look for post-COVID economic transition.

Economic Freedom in the Caspian Region

As the Biden Administration develops policies for its relations with China, Iran, and Russia, it needs to consider how to engage more effectively its relations with the countries of Central Asia and the Caucasus. Often targets of ambitious neighboring powers seeking greater influence, leverage, and advantage, these countries on both sides of the Caspian Sea generally look for active, visible, and constructive engagement by the U.S. government as well as by American private-sector and academic institutions. Some of the Caspian region governments feel their ties with the United States weakened during the Trump Administration. The new Biden Administration is in a position to correct this situation and to advance U.S. interests in the region at the same time it addresses broader geostrategic questions.

The Caspian Policy Center has prepared a set of recommendations for more effective U.S. engagement with countries in Central Asia and the Caucasus. Looking at steps the United States could take in its diplomatic engagement with countries in the Greater Caspian region, in its information/public outreach and military-to- military programs, and in the spheres of economics and business, the Center has developed a roadmap for a more stable and prosperous Caspian region aligned with U.S. interests. In an online discussion on March 3, panelists will elaborate on the ways that the Biden administration can chart the best path forward in Central Asia and the South Caucasus in light of geostrategic trends and developments that have occurred in the region over the past four years.

A New Caspian Policy for the New Administration

On December 31, Azerbaijan started commercial natural gas exports to Europe via the U.S.-backed Southern Gas Corridor, helping the region to diversify supplies away from Russia.

Completion of the $40 billion Southern Gas Corridor marked an important milestone for U.S. diplomacy and European energy security as it was the culmination of several years of work with both public and private sectors, including different governments across the Caspian region, multinational energy companies, and several U.S. presidential administrations.

Alongside its vast contribution to the energy security of Europe, the completion of the Southern Gas Corridor also comes at a time of changing energy markets and increased focus on climate change.

On January 27,&nbsp;the Caspian Policy Center will bring together senior policy officials, corporate executives, and leading energy policy experts to discuss the completion of the Southern Gas Corridor project, how it fits with the evolving picture of the energy industry, and the possible next steps for the Caucasus and Central Asia&rsquo;s energy market.

This virtual event will be moderated by&nbsp;Ambassador (ret.) Robert F. Cekuta, Advisory Board Member&nbsp;at the Caspian Policy Center, and include keynote remarks by&nbsp;Francis R. Fannon, Former Assistant Secretary for the Bureau of Energy Resources at the U.S Department of State.

Completion of the Southern Gas Corridor: An American Diplomatic Success, But What Comes Next?

The war between Azerbaijan and Armenia, the Moscow-brokered November ceasefire, and the presence now of Russian forces in all three countries of the Caucasus are significant events in a part of the world where Russian, Chinese, Turkish, and Iranian policy objectives can collide with each other as well as with those of the United States and European countries. Moreover, while the November agreement may have stopped the fighting, it did not create peace. At the same time, the process is underway in the United States of transitioning to a new presidential administration on January 20, 2021. In charting out its foreign policy objectives, the Biden administration will need to examine this new situation in the Caucasus and its potential ramifications for Europe and Eurasia&rsquo;s security, stability, and prosperity. The Caspian Policy Center (CPC) and the Center of Analysis of International Relations (AIR Center) will convene a panel of experts from both the United States and Azerbaijan to discuss the future of U.S.-Azerbaijan relations in light of 2020&rsquo;s landmark events.

Events