Central Asia-Caucasus Institute's Substack
Kazakhstan's Return to Nuclear Power, Ukraine and Russia’s Collapsing Home Front, China's Inroad to Afghanistan, Georgian Parliamentary Elections
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What we’ve hosted:
Did you miss our events last week? Enjoy the replays below.
Kazakhstan’s Return to Nuclear Power
Stephen Bland notes in the event, “Kazakhstan’s energy landscape is characterized by a reliance on aging thermal power plants, which are increasingly unable to meet the demands of a growing population and economy, with electricity shortages projected to worsen, particularly in the rapidly developing southern regions. The construction of a nuclear power plant, therefore, is seen as a crucial step toward alleviating these shortages, reducing dependence on overpriced imports from Russia, and achieving carbon neutrality goals.”
Advancing Digital Interconnectivity in the CAMCA Region
The discussion highlights key challenges and opportunities in building digital resilience and leveraging technology to empower communities across the region.
What we’re writing:
S. Frederick Starr describes the often-overlooked developments on Russia's home front since the invasion of Ukraine, revealing a growing chorus of internal criticism and dissent against Putin's regime. By distilling Russian online blogs, official media, and parliamentary discussions, Starr reveals mounting political divisions and a pervasive mood of anxiety and distrust within Putin's own ranks, suggesting that the Russian leader may be operating from a position of weakness rather than strength.
Aigerim Turgunbaeva and Fayazuddin Ghiasi write about the strategic importance of the Wakhan Corridor, highlighting its potential to transform trade relations between Afghanistan and China. As construction progresses on this pivotal route, they explore how it could reshape regional dynamics and solidify China's influence in Central and South Asia.
Laura Linderman and Pauline Le Grand argue that Georgia's recent parliamentary elections have sparked a crisis, as the ruling party's victory has been widely denounced as fraudulent amid evidence of voter manipulation and Russian interference. They warn that without concrete Western action, Georgia's democratic future hangs in the balance.
What we’re excited about:
Webinar. Meeting the Moment: Reflections on the Founding of the Kennan Institute in 1974
Join S. Frederick Starr on November 14, 2024 from 1-2:30 PM ET for a webinar reflecting on the founding of the Kennan Institute in 1974.
The Kennan Institute was established 50 years ago by George Kennan, James Billington, and S. Frederick Starr to provide a forum for scholarship and policy discussions on Russia and the region - a mission that remains vital today.
This webinar will enable participants to hear first-hand insights and perspectives from that earlier era, when the national conversation focused narrowly on politics and security, rather than the broader social, cultural, and historical dynamics shaping the region. Register here .