The Institute for Advanced International Studies (IAIS) at the University of World Economy and Diplomacy held a guest lecture under its Frontier Talks series by Dr Artemy Kalinovsky on the topic “Geopolitics and Financing of Infrastructure in Central Asia”. The lecture focused on key issues related to infrastructure financing, regional connectivity, energy politics and geopolitical competition in Central Asia.

Dr Artemy Kalinovsky is a Professor at Temple University’s College of Liberal Arts, where he is affiliated with the Departments of History and Political Science. His research focuses on the Soviet Union, Russia, development, foreign policy, Central Asia, international interventions and the Cold War. He received his BA from George Washington University and his MA and PhD from the London School of Economics, and previously taught at the University of Amsterdam.

During the lecture, Dr Kalinovsky examined how large-scale infrastructure projects shape state strategies, external financing models and regional relations. Particular attention was given to the political and economic dimensions of infrastructure development in Central Asia, as well as the role of external actors in financing major connectivity and energy projects.

The session provided an opportunity for students, researchers and experts to discuss Central Asia’s evolving role in global development, energy and transport connectivity debates. By combining historical perspective with contemporary geopolitical analysis, the lecture contributed to a deeper understanding of the region’s infrastructure challenges and opportunities.