Tajikistan
The world's record heatwaves - Statista
According to NASA, there is “unequivocal evidence that Earth is warming at an unprecedented rate”, Statista reports.
Central Asia to turn mineral wealth into strategic influence
Central Asia is moving to convert its vast reserves of critical minerals into economic and geopolitical leverage as governments seek to position the region at the centre of global supply chains increasingly shaped by geopoliitcal competition.
Middle East conflict and energy shock slow growth across EBRD regions
Bank warns higher energy costs are reigniting inflation, weakening industrial competitiveness and straining already fragile public finances
Kazakhstan taking on lots of debt to China
China-Central Asia Monitor: May 22-28, 2026
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Kremlin wants “full partnership” with Afghan Taliban, military-technical deal signed
Russia is the only country in the world to formally recognise Afghanistan’s rulers, though Central Asia is slowly but surely building relations.
Timur Turlov’s Freedom Holding Corp: From a niche broker to a global fintech player
The story of how a small brokerage firm transformed into a transnational financial ecosystem.
CENTRAL ASIA BLOG: Water “insecurities” are rumbling under the surface of regional diplomacy
Kyrgyzstan wants more infrastructure maintenance funds. Afghanistan is preparing to divert river flows for irrigation. Disagreements could mount.
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Terrorist attacks in Russia thwarted by joint work with Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, says FSB director
Warns Afghanistan-based ISKP actively recruiting individuals across Central Asia and migrant workers in Russian locations.
The return of the Silk Road as the “C6”, a key geopolitical link between Europe and Asia
There is a map that used to hang in the offices of Soviet central planners in Moscow, showing the five republics of Central Asia as a single administrative unit with all roads pointing to Moscow. Today the arrows point in all directions at once.
Russia irked by US, EU moves to secure Central Asia critical minerals
Kremlin official talks of “attempt to push Russia out and create a Western-controlled infrastructure in the immediate vicinity of our borders".
Why Afghanistan dreams of opening up Wakhan Corridor, the mountain valley that connects three worlds
Likely once trodden by Alexander the Great and Marco Polo, its potential is fascinating.
Central Asia lagging in AI diffusion – report
Adoption rates, however, are among highest in Asia.
Central Asian states adapt to irreversible Aral Sea disaster, official says
IFAS chairman says efforts to restore the sea must move on to tackling environmental, agriculture and health care fallout.
New report documents how Central Asian states abet Russian sanctions-busting
Georgia is Russia’s primary route in Caucasus.
China signs billions worth of contracts with Turkmenistan, but no financing
China - Central Asia Monitor: April 24-30, 2026.
Is Russia quietly blocking the development of the Middle Corridor?
Mysteriously, the project to build the transit route’s most critical piece of infrastructure, Anaklia deep sea port in Georgia, remains stalled.
Central Asia green finance grows, led by Kazakhstani private sector
Kazakhstan is Central Asia’s leading market for green and sustainable bonds, and there is strong potential in other countries, according to Manas Gizhduaniyev, chief executive of the AIFC Green Finance Centre.
Russia would not accept military presence of outside powers in Central Asia, says defence minister
Andrei Belousov tells SCO meeting Moscow is “closely monitoring” moves made by “non-regional states”.
EU imposes “anti-circumvention” sanctions on Kyrgyzstan for assisting Russia
Sanctions may hurt Bishkek’s image more than its economy.
Central Asia targets skills gap as renewable energy push accelerates
With investments into renewables accelerating, the region faces a widening gap between labour market needs and available skills.