What Is Next? Increasing Regional Partnership in the Caucasus and Central Asia

Historic developments and openings are changing the Caucasus and Central Asia regions. From the pandemic to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, from the development of a Middle Corridor for trade and transit to remarkable increases in foreign direct investment, the greater Caspian region is increasingly a nexus of greatly increased interest and engagement. Leaders from the five Central Asian states and Azerbaijan recently convened in Astana, Kazakhstan, for the Consultative Meetings, reaffirming their commitment to enhancing regional collaboration and integration. But where do the countries of the region see themselves headed? What is driving the intra-regional shifts and cooperation? Where will inter-regional cooperation go next?
This virtual event is intended to bring together regional experts and thinkers to discuss the significant growth in economic, political, and security cooperation within the countries of the Caucasus and Central Asia, as well as to look at areas of opportunity for next-level cooperation between the greater Caspian region and beyond. Building on a growing base of intraregional partnership, are there better opportunities to reach east to China, south to South Asia, and west to Türkiye, Europe and the United States, now that Russia is distracted in Ukraine? What are the next steps?

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More integration is always welcome. The best way would be to set up a small coordination task force, for example Trade/Customs and follow a practical agenda to increase trade and connectivity, while minimizing bureacracy.