As Dr. Gafarov notes, Russia’s formal recognition of the Taliban government on 3 July 2025 marks a significant turning point in the international community’s approach to Afghanistan. Unlike the Taliban’s first period in power (1996–2001), the current regime has steadily cultivated diplomatic legitimacy over the past four years. Recognition by a major non-Islamic power such as Russia underscores the Taliban’s evolution into a more pragmatic and diplomatically active political actor. The move also reframes the Afghan question — from a largely security-driven regional concern to a component of broader geopolitical competition between East and West.   Russia’s decision follows a series of incremental steps, including the removal of the Taliban from its list of terrorist organizations and preparations for the Taliban’s full participation in the upcoming Moscow Format talks. The Kremlin’s approach is driven by strategic considerations: securing its influence in Central Asia, accessing new export markets, and countering Western isolation through partnerships in the Global South. In particular, the prospect of military cooperation, arms trade, and connectivity initiatives such as the Trans-Afghan Railway indicate that Moscow views Afghanistan as a valuable partner in its evolving foreign policy matrix.   The implications of this recognition are likely to reverberate across the region. Some neighboring states may feel encouraged to reassess their own positions. Uzbekistan, while maintaining an independent foreign policy, has shown willingness to engage the Taliban in dialogue, as evidenced by President Mirziyoyev’s recent meeting with Deputy Prime Minister Mullah Baradar. However, a formal recognition from Tashkent remains contingent on its own national priorities. Iran, despite being geographically and politically proximate, is unlikely to follow Moscow’s lead due to deteriorating bilateral ties with Kabul. Pakistan’s stance, though historically more sympathetic to the Taliban, has been complicated by domestic security concerns and refugee tensions. All eyes now turn to the upcoming SCO Summit in Tianjin.   Looking ahead, Russia’s initiative may create momentum for broader recognition, especially if China or key regional actors such as Kazakhstan move in a similar direction. The upcoming SCO Summit in Tianjin may provide an opportunity for collective deliberation on Afghanistan’s place in the regional order. Whether Russia’s move triggers a true domino effect remains uncertain, but it undeniably signals a shift in the diplomatic status quo. Afghanistan, long treated as a marginal or exceptional case, is increasingly becoming integrated into mainstream geopolitical calculations.   Read on Geopolitical Monitor   * 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.

On June 24, 33-year-old Zohran Kwame Mamdani achieved a surprising victory in the Democratic Party primaries ahead of the New York City mayoral election. His main rival was 68-year-old former state governor Andrew Cuomo—a representative of the political establishment backed by Bill Clinton, Michael Bloomberg, major labor unions, and Wall Street. However, Mamdani, a previously little-known politician, managed to mobilize youth and minority voters, securing a sensational win. According to the results, Mamdani garnered 43.5% of the vote, while Cuomo received 36.4%. The remaining votes went to other candidates, including city comptroller Brad Lander, whose preferences were later redistributed through the ranked-choice voting system. Cuomo conceded defeat and described Mamdani’s campaign as “smart and effective.”   Effectively, victory in the primaries secured Mamdani the status of the Democratic Party’s main candidate in the upcoming general election on November 4, 2025. His key opponents will include Republican Curtis Sliwa, independent candidate and incumbent Mayor Eric Adams, and several centrist contenders. Adams’s popularity has sharply declined amid a corruption scandal, and his decision to run outside the Democratic Party has only deepened internal divisions. In this context, Mamdani remains the front-runner in the race.   Biography and Political Career. Zohran Mamdani represents a new generation of progressive politicians. He was born in Uganda to a prominent academic, Mahmood Mamdani, and an Indian mother, Mira Nair—an award-winning actress and filmmaker. During childhood, he moved to New York and grew up in the Astoria neighborhood of Queens. After earning a degree in African Studies from a college in Maine, Mamdani became involved in community work, music, and later, politics. He openly identifies as a democratic socialist, holds progressive views, and is politically aligned with Bernie Sanders and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. Beyond politics, he participated in cultural projects and released music under the pseudonym Mr. Cardamom, which helped him attract attention from younger audiences. His engagement in cultural and volunteer work allowed him to establish strong ties with local communities and build a stable electoral base.   Mamdani’s political career began at the city and state level. In 2020, he was elected to the New York State Assembly, representing a district that includes Queens, and took office in early 2021. In the Assembly, he promoted initiatives benefiting ordinary New Yorkers—such as spearheading a pilot project for free bus service in the city (in 2023, five bus routes operated free of charge). He also supported legislation protecting tenants from eviction, advocated increased funding for social services, and called for restrictions on luxury real estate development in low-income neighborhoods. Mamdani was one of the initiators of a law requiring language support services for immigrants in city institutions. Although he achieved limited legislative success in Albany, Mamdani gained a reputation as a passionate activist defending the rights of tenants, immigrants, and workers. He actively participated in protests, championed climate justice, and called for reforms in the criminal justice system, opposing aggressive policing in impoverished neighborhoods.   Electoral Platform and Ideological Orientation. The core tenets of Mamdani’s platform aim to address social inequality. His proposals include a rent freeze on nearly one million regulated apartments, construction of 200,000 affordable housing units over ten years, free citywide bus service by 2027, universal free school meals, and the establishment of a municipal network of grocery stores. He also supports the implementation of a “Green New York” plan for transitioning to sustainable urban infrastructure, including widespread solar panel installation, modernization of public buildings, and expansion of bicycle transit systems. These measures are to be funded through increased taxes on millionaires and corporations, subject to state approval.   Mamdani places particular emphasis on racial and social justice. He advocates for strengthening immigrant rights, protections for gig economy workers, access to mental health services, and expanded rehabilitation programs for former inmates. His policing reform agenda includes reducing the NYPD’s budget and reallocating funds to social services. In education, Mamdani proposes tuition-free municipal colleges, improved working conditions for teachers, and expanded after-school programs for children from disadvantaged backgrounds. On foreign policy, Mamdani supports Palestinian rights and criticizes U.S. policy toward Israel, which has attracted both praise and harsh criticism. He publicly condemned bombings in Gaza and proposed that New York cease government contracts with companies supporting the Israeli military.   The scope of his program has sparked debate. Critics accuse him of “magical realism” and populism, citing budgetary and legal constraints. However, Mamdani insists his plan responds to the real needs of New Yorkers. His campaign focused on social justice and making the city accessible to all—not just the elite. As he puts it, “the city should be a place where a decent life is available to everyone, not just those who run the stock market.”   Public and Political Response. Mamdani’s victory has become a symbol of a growing demand for change. However, it has also alarmed New York’s business community. Stakeholders in real estate, finance, and large retail expressed concerns about potential increases in taxation and regulation. In an effort to block Mamdani’s path to City Hall, major donors redirected support to independent candidate Eric Adams, despite his tarnished reputation. The New York Chamber of Commerce emphasized in its statement that “the city’s entrepreneurial environment must not fall victim to political experiments.” Analysts at Goldman Sachs and JPMorgan Chase, in private notes to investors, warned of a possible slowdown in capital investment due to tax uncertainty. A group of real estate owners sent an open letter to the State Senate demanding that any legislation curbing the rental market be blocked. Several large business associations have already launched lobbying campaigns at the state level aimed at containing what they perceive as a potential “anti-business tilt” of a Mamdani administration. Additionally, some groups have initiated media campaigns featuring attack ads and editorials portraying his economic program as a threat to jobs and investment. At the same time, some small business owners—particularly in immigrant-dominated neighborhoods—expressed cautious support for Mamdani’s policy proposals, hoping for reduced bureaucratic barriers and better support for microenterprises.   Mamdani succeeded in mobilizing traditionally disengaged voter groups: youth, immigrants, and nonwhite communities. His campaign deployed 30,000 volunteers who canvassed over 750,000 homes. He made active use of social media, especially TikTok and Instagram, to communicate directly with voters, share explanatory videos, and criticize opponents. In one such video, he discussed the concept of “housing justice,” describing New York as a “city of two speeds”—an elite center and impoverished outskirts. However, parts of the moderate electorate reacted warily to his win. This was reflected in strong support for Cuomo among affluent residents and religious minorities. In the primaries, Mamdani lost among registered voters in Manhattan and in neighborhoods with high concentrations of Russian-speaking and Orthodox Jewish populations.   Within the Democratic Party, reactions were mixed. The party’s left wing celebrated Mamdani’s success, while centrists expressed skepticism. Figures such as Chuck Schumer and Hakeem Jeffries withheld full endorsement. The New York Times described Mamdani’s platform as unrealistic and expressed hope for a more balanced candidate by 2029. Right-wing politicians, including Donald Trump, reacted harshly, accusing Mamdani of radicalism and questioning his legitimacy. Far-right commentators called for the “deportation of socialists” on social media. Nevertheless, Republicans do not pose a serious threat in traditionally Democratic New York.   Forecasts and Challenges. Analysts believe Mamdani has a strong chance of winning the general election, but his tenure as mayor will face substantial challenges. Fiscal constraints, reliance on state authorities, and business opposition may hinder the implementation of his ambitious agenda. Governor Kathy Hochul has already stated she will not support tax increases, citing fears of capital flight. This jeopardizes key initiatives, from free transportation to housing construction.   Successful implementation of reforms will require political skill and a willingness to compromise. The experience of past mayors, such as Bill de Blasio, shows how difficult it is to enact a social agenda in a city as complex as New York. Optimists argue that Mamdani may at least partially fulfill his program, strengthening the progressive movement nationwide. Skeptics maintain that the harsh realities of governance will inevitably moderate his course. Some analysts believe that Mamdani’s success or failure may serve as an indicator of the broader trajectory of the Democratic Party, especially amid growing leftist sentiment among youth in major U.S. cities. In this context, New York could either become a showcase for progressive reform or a cautionary tale of its limitations in the face of institutional resistance.   Thus, Zohran Mamdani’s victory in the primaries marks a potential turning point in New York City politics. If he wins the general election, the city could become a testing ground for an ambitious left-wing experiment in the heart of a global financial center. Whether this experiment succeeds will depend on the delicate balance between ideals and practical governance in the years ahead.   * 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.

Central Asia is an important energy region with 3% of the world’s oil reserves, 12% of gas reserves, and significant potential for renewable energy sources. After the start of the war in Ukraine in 2022, the EU has increased its focus on the region, seeing it as a strategic partner for diversifying supplies and the green transition.   As emphasized in the EU Strategy for Central Asia, the goal is not to control resources, but to support reforms, harmonize legislation, and introduce environmental standards. This is being implemented through the Sustainable Energy Connections in Central Asia (2022–2026) initiative and the Global Gateway program, with investments of up to €12 billion in renewable energy, digitalization, and the environment. The EU offers a long-term partnership based on technology and sustainable development, which differs from resource-based strategies.   Today, the EU is one of the region’s largest economic partners, accounting for 22.6% of foreign trade and more than 40% of foreign direct investment. Its involvement in the energy sector takes the form of investment, technological support, and joint development of green solutions.   The EU as an investor in the energy sector of Central Asia. The EU plays a key role in Central Asia’s energy sector, providing not only investment but also access to modern technologies and expert support. In particular, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development is a leading instrument, investing a record €2.26 billion in the region in 2024.   Most of these funds are directed towards sustainable and “green” infrastructure, including the modernization of networks and the construction of renewable energy facilities. Among the countries in the region, Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan received the largest amounts of investment.   For reference: key projects include the construction of high-voltage power lines in Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, the region’s largest solar power plant with energy storage in the Tashkent region, and Central Asia’s first green hydrogen production project in Kazakhstan.   In addition, European companies are actively involved in the region’s energy development. The Italian company Eni owns shares in Kazakhstan’s largest oil and gas projects, while the French company Orano is involved in uranium mining in Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. France covers a significant part of its nuclear power plant needs with uranium from the region, and the partnership in the nuclear sector continues to deepen.   The EU plays a leading role in harmonizing energy regulations, using the experience of the European Network of Transmission System Operators for Electricity (ENTSO-E) and the integration of the Balkan markets. Cooperation is conducted in the “5+EU” format and through bilateral agreements. The EU Strategy for Central Asia has been in force since 2019, and in 2023 a Roadmap with about 80 measures for the development of trade, climate, and energy was approved. All countries in the region have joined initiatives to reduce methane emissions and ratified the Paris Agreement. The EU provides technical assistance for energy sector reforms, competition development, and coordination on water resource management.   The EU as a regulator of standards and provider of technological solutions. The EU has a significant influence on Central Asia’s energy sector, spreading its standards, norms, and technologies. Countries in the region, seeking to enter European markets, are adapting to these requirements, from environmental standards to market rules. One example is the EU carbon levy mechanism introduced in 2023. It affects exports of energy-intensive products, including steel, cement, and electricity, and involves the imposition of a carbon charge if the products are manufactured with high greenhouse gas emissions. This puts additional pressure on producers in Central Asia and at the same time creates incentives for modernising production, switching to renewable energy sources and improving energy efficiency. Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan have already begun to look for ways to reduce the carbon intensity of their products, including with the help of European initiatives and technologies.   For reference: With the support of the EU and the EBRD, the first industrial energy storage system in the region (500 MWh) has been launched in Uzbekistan. European companies such as Siemens, ABB, and Total Eren are participating in the construction of solar power plants, the modernization of substations, and the transition to high-efficiency generation.   III. Balance of opportunities and challenges in energy cooperation with the EU. Cooperation with the EU opens up opportunities for Central Asia to diversify its export markets, primarily by reducing its previous dependence on transit routes through Russia and on exports to volatile or limited markets such as China or the Middle East. More than 70% of Kazakhstan’s oil goes to Europe, with exports in 2024 exceeding 1 million barrels per day, making Kazakhstan the third largest supplier to the EU. After Niger stopped exporting natural uranium in 2023, Kazakhstan became its main supplier, covering over 40% of the EU’s needs. This ensures stable foreign exchange earnings and long-term contracts.   At the same time, direct exports to Europe are limited by the lack of a common border and gas pipelines – oil is transported via the Black Sea and transit countries. In these conditions, the EU’s practical contribution to the development of the region’s energy sector becomes particularly significant: investments are directed towards infrastructure renewal, the construction of power lines, and support for green energy projects. The EU also transfers technology — energy-efficient equipment, digital control systems, modern turbines, and metering systems. This local approach not only strengthens the reliability of energy systems but also prepares Central Asian countries to enter more stable and diverse external markets.   However, Central Asia is an area of active competition. Over the past 20 years, China has invested over $105 billion, mainly in infrastructure projects and raw material assets, while the UAE and Saudi Arabia are financing renewable energy projects, and Russia is maintaining its influence through critical infrastructure such as gas pipelines, power lines, and transport routes. The EU must create more flexible conditions to maintain the interest of countries in the region.   Moreover, cooperation with the EU contributes to the growth of energy professionals’ qualifications: more than 500 specialists from Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan have been trained through Erasmus+, European Commission, and other programs, as well as through partnerships with European universities and institutions. They are working on the development of tariff models, energy efficiency, and digital accounting systems.   Investments face barriers: in Kazakhstan, the tariff model has changed, and in Uzbekistan, there are delays in payments from state-owned companies. Fitch Ratings, which assesses the reliability of countries for investors, notes delay in obligations to investors, which required the creation of a special company that officially purchases electricity from private producers – Uzenergosotish – and additional guarantees from international institutions.   Strategic priorities and directions for the development of energy cooperation with the EU. Geopolitical changes and the reorientation of export flows reinforce the importance of Central Asia’s infrastructure connectivity with the EU. The Middle Corridor, a strategic transport route for sustainable logistics, is of particular importance. Kazakhstan is modernizing the ports of Aktau and Kuryk, expanding their throughput capacity and increasing the fleet of Caspian tankers for transporting oil to the port of Alat (Azerbaijan). Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan are renovating the port of Turkmenbashi, creating a regional logistics hub.   The China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway, construction of which began in 2022, will significantly reduce transit times for energy cargoes to Europe. The Trans-Caspian gas pipeline between Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan will be able to supply up to 15 billion cubic meters of gas to the EU annually, expanding export opportunities and strengthening the region’s energy autonomy.   To integrate with the European market, Central Asian countries need to eliminate fragmentation in tariffs, standards, and network management. The creation of a Central Asian Energy Community, modeled on the South-East European Energy Community, will provide legal certainty and cross-border electricity trade.   Overall, the potential of the partnership is far from exhausted. With the successful implementation of EU initiatives and the willingness of Central Asian countries to reform, it is possible to create a new energy space from Europe to Central Asia as an important element of global security and climate stability.   * 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.

French geopolitical edition CONFLITS Revue de Géopolitique has republished the policy brief by Dr. Islomkhon Gafarov and IAIS volunteer Bositkhon Islamov. The brief was originally published on Geopolitika.no (Norway), reflecting growing international interest in Central and South Asian security dynamics.   The article analyses the uneasy yet strategic “forced cooperation” between Afghanistan and Pakistan amid escalating regional tensions, including the Kashmir crisis, proxy conflicts, and shifting alliances shaped by Chinese mediation and Indian influence.   Read it in French on CONFLITS Revue de Géopolitique   * 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.

In his detailed policy brief for The Diplomat, Dr. Islomkhon Gafarov analyses the subtle yet strategic evolution of Russia’s policy toward Taliban-ruled Afghanistan. Rather than treating Afghanistan as a traditional conflict zone, Moscow increasingly views it as part of the broader Central Asian region — both economically and politically. Central to this approach is the introduction of Afghan labor migration into Russia, a policy tool long used by Moscow to build influence in post-Soviet Central Asia. The recent agreement signed during the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum to increase Afghan migration to Russia signals not only pragmatic cooperation but also a deeper attempt to stabilize ties with the Taliban government.   Dr. Gafarov argues that this new migration vector is part of a larger Russian strategy to reshape Afghanistan’s view of Russia — not as a former occupier, but as a partner and economic opportunity. While China continues to dominate headlines with its resource extraction and Belt and Road investments in Afghanistan, Moscow is quietly creating alternative linkages — through employment, humanitarian aid, and infrastructure development. Notably, Russia has even surpassed China in some respects, such as recognizing the Taliban diplomatically and offering direct employment routes to Afghan workers.   The brief also delves into the geopolitical competition emerging in Afghanistan between Russia and China. With Beijing expanding its grip on Afghan resources and logistics, Russia is pushing back through digital infrastructure projects and the launch of the Trans-Afghan railway in cooperation with Uzbekistan. A recent annulment of a major Chinese oil deal by the Afghan government may offer Moscow an opening to enhance its presence in the energy sector. This competition is nuanced, as both powers maintain informal boundaries in Central Asia but appear to be increasingly contesting influence in Afghanistan.   At the same time, Russia’s outreach to Afghanistan is shaped by the lingering trauma of the Soviet-Afghan war. Dr. Gafarov notes how Moscow is seeking to overwrite these historical memories with soft power initiatives — from flour shipments to cultural programs — while simultaneously addressing contemporary security threats. Russia views economic engagement not only as a lever of influence but also as a counter-radicalization measure, attempting to stem the growth of terrorist groups like ISKP through stability and development.   Ultimately, the policy brief paints a picture of Russia slowly integrating Afghanistan into its wider Central Asian policy framework. By opening labor pathways and positioning itself as a dependable partner amid regional deportations and Western disengagement, Moscow is crafting a new narrative. As Dr. Gafarov concludes, this could mark the beginning of a lasting Russian presence in Afghanistan’s economic and political fabric — an evolution not through military intervention, but through migration, market access, and diplomacy.   Read the brief   * 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.

As Dr. Islomkhon Gafarov and Bositkhon Islamov argue in their policy brief on Geopolitika.no, the evolving dynamics between Afghanistan and Pakistan in 2025 reflect a complex interplay of coercive diplomacy, regional rivalries, and domestic insecurities. Following the Kashmir escalation in April–May 2025, relations between Islamabad and Kabul entered a phase of what the authors call “forced cooperation”. While Pakistani authorities claimed tactical success in managing the Kashmir front, the brief underscores that this stability is conditional on calm along the Afghan border. The authors point to Pakistan’s elevation of the Afghan Taliban envoy’s status to ambassador as a defensive maneuver meant to pre-empt any Afghan-Indian rapprochement that could leave Islamabad regionally isolated.   Dr. Gafarov and Mr. Islamov emphasize the significance of China’s diplomatic engagement, particularly the informal trilateral meeting hosted in Beijing in May 2025. Chaired by Foreign Minister Wang Yi, this initiative aims not only to preserve Chinese interests, such as the security of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, but also to reshape the regional balance through a nascent Beijing-Kabul-Islamabad axis. Yet the authors caution that structural impediments to Afghan-Pakistani cooperation remain acute, foremost among them the threat posed by Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). With operational bases reportedly spread across Kunar, Nangarhar, Khost, and Paktika provinces, and links to al-Qaeda and ISKP, the TTP has become a transnational destabilizer whose reach has grown precisely because of the lack of coordinated counterterrorism between the two states.   The brief further highlights how the security conflict is assuming new technological dimensions, noting with concern the emergence of Taliban drone capabilities allegedly developed at repurposed Western military installations in Kabul and Logar. With technical support traced to Russia, Iran, and China, this innovation marks a shift toward proxy warfare marked by deniability and technological escalation. In parallel, Baloch separatism, particularly the operations of the BLA, adds a layer of internal vulnerability to Pakistan’s strategic calculus, with attacks on transport infrastructure and railways threatening the viability of long-term regional integration projects such as CPEC and TAPI.   A particularly troubling trend identified by the authors is the emergence of a new militant actor, Tehrik-e-Taliban Kashmir (TTK), which aims to destabilize both India and Pakistan in pursuit of an Islamist order. Dr. Gafarov and Mr. Islamov argue that the group’s potential links to the Afghan Taliban could not only rupture Kabul’s fragile relations with Islamabad but also jeopardize its emerging diplomatic engagements with India and China. Compounding these threats is Pakistan’s mass deportation campaign against Afghan refugees, which the authors view as both a humanitarian crisis and a security liability, as displaced populations become vulnerable to recruitment by extremist factions operating in under-governed Afghan territories.   Ultimately, the authors conclude that mounting tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan pose a direct challenge to regional connectivity and development. Cross-border trade disruptions, disputes over transboundary water management, and insecurity along strategic corridors such as Balochistan and the Durand Line jeopardize major infrastructure efforts including CASA-1000 and TAPI. While the Termez–Kabul route is deemed the most viable corridor in the short term, sustained instability could force regional actors to redirect investments toward more reliable alternatives such as the Iranian port of Chabahar. Thus, despite episodic diplomatic gestures and Chinese mediation, Dr. Gafarov and Mr. Islamov portray a regional order where mistrust, militancy, and misaligned interests continue to outpace cooperation.   Read on Geopolitika.no   * 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.