A webinar by Topchubashov Center (Azerbaijan) brought together regional experts and analysts to examine how the war is affecting C6 positioning, inter-regional dynamics, and relations with major external actors.

Odilbek Manabov shared his insights on how instability in the Middle East is affecting Central Asia. He noted that the region has so far remained largely resilient, with no major disruptions observed. Unlike countries such as Japan, Vietnam, and Sri Lanka, Central Asian states have avoided significant energy-related challenges. However, Turkmenistan has faced localized inflationary pressures.

Manabov emphasized that current geopolitical tensions are more likely to encourage deeper regional cooperation rather than vice versa. In particular, the growing importance of alternative transport routes, such as the Middle Corridor, is reinforcing economic interdependence among C6. He concluded that while short-term impacts remain limited, ongoing developments may scale up regional cooperation and enhance Central Asia’s strategic role in Eurasian connectivity.

* The Institute for Advanced International Studies (IAIS) does not take institutional positions on any issues; the views represented herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the IAIS.