Shifting Geopolitics of Central Asia: Regional Impacts of the Russia-Ukraine War

Join us as Dr Jessica Genauer and Dr Dilnoza Ubaydullaeva explore how the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war has been perceived in Central Asian countries, has recalibrated regional and global powers' engagement with Central Asia, and has shaped Central Asian countries' foreign policy strategies. The presentation contextualises Central-Asian perspectives on the Russia-Ukraine war in the region's political, economic and security concerns.

Traditionally, the region has had close linguistic, political, economic and military ties to Russia. However, the Russia-Ukraine war has elevated the importance of the Central Asian states and prompted regional and global powers to recalibrate their relations with the region. Central Asian countries are, therefore, currently navigating a complex balancing act of maintaining relations with Russia while engaging with other regional and global players. While Russia's role or power dynamic in the region has changed, it is still the main geopolitical power in Central Asia.

The presentation concludes with a discussion of possible trajectories of the war this year and implications for the Central Asian region.

*6pm for a 6.15pm start.

** Drinks and nibbles provided.

***Photo by President of Kazakhstan Press Service