Kazakhstan
CEE/CIS economic hubs face $1.3 trillion infrastructure gap
The region's steepest gap - of $727bn - is in Russia where inadequate infrastructure spending in recent decades has hindered economic growth.
Kazakhstan's GDP notably improves, climbing 4.2% y/y in H1
Economic growth in Kazakhstan given added drive by relaunch of giant Kashagan oil field and moderate economic recoveries of main regional trading partners.
BOOK REVIEW: The international reach of Central Asia’s autocratic elites
Dictators without Borders combats the myth of Central Asia as a deeply traditional region isolated from international financial and legal systems.
Azerbaijan puts on military show of force amid new Armenia, human rights tensions
Baku sends forces to participate in armed forces challenges in Russia, Kazakhstan and China against a backdrop of renewed clashes in Nagorno-Karabakh.