In an interview with the UzA news agency, Hamza Boltaev systematically comments on Uzbekistan’s initiatives to ensure stability and development in Afghanistan. First and foremost, he emphasizes the importance of the “Termez Dialogue” in strengthening regional norms of trust and cooperation, using as context the issues raised in the President’s speech at the 80th session of the UN General Assembly: a neutral platform for negotiations, linking the security agenda with the economic agenda, and establishing pragmatic ties between neighbors.   Boltaev highlights the concept of the Termez-Mazar-i-Sharif-Kabul-Peshawar railway as a key project among economic and infrastructure initiatives. In his opinion, this corridor will harness Afghanistan’s transit potential, revitalize regional trade, logistics, and employment; at the same time, it will demonstrate to the international community that “economic integration is the most sustainable mechanism for ensuring security.”   From this perspective, he summarizes the practical value of Uzbekistan’s initiatives in three areas: (1) creating a permanent platform for discussion and coordination (the “Termez Dialogue”), (2) connecting Afghanistan to regional chains through infrastructure (railway and logistics hubs), (3) investment projects that promote socio-economic stabilization. In conclusion, Boltayev notes that this approach aims to resolve issues of international recognition and security through practical cooperation and harmonization of interests, rather than ideological disputes.   * 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.

A recent article by Aziza Mukhammedova, Leading Research Fellow at IAIS, co-authored with Dr. Farhana Qazi and Halima Nasiri, offers a comprehensive analysis of Afghanistan’s potential pathways toward stability.   The authors identify three fundamental pillars for the country’s future — education, infrastructural connectivity, and Islamic legitimacy. They argue that the interplay of these factors can help Afghanistan overcome its protracted crisis and pave the way toward sustainable peace and prosperity. Particular emphasis is placed on restoring women’s access to education, advancing regional trade and transport corridors (notably the Trans-Afghan Railway), and strengthening the role of Islamic scholars, whose rulings and fatwas can provide the cultural and religious authority necessary for reforms to gain acceptance.   The article underscores that without institutionalized educational initiatives, long-term financing, and systematic monitoring, Afghanistan risks remaining trapped in radicalization and isolation. Conversely, if these measures are consistently implemented, the country could transform from a source of instability into a vital bridge between Central and South Asia.   Read the full article on Daily Islamabad Post   * 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 a wide-ranging interview with the Eurasian System Science Research Association (ESSRA), Odil Gafarov, Deputy Director of the Institute for Advanced International Studies, offered a comprehensive analysis of Central Asia’s evolving role in the global geopolitical landscape. Reflecting on his academic and professional journey through Uzbekistan, China, and the United States, Mr. Gafarov explained how these experiences shaped his nuanced understanding of the region’s multi-vector diplomacy, domestic governance traditions, and strategic partnerships, especially with China.   He challenged the perception of Central Asian states as passive players caught between great powers, instead portraying them as strategically agile actors actively balancing relations among Russia, China, the United States, Europe, and emerging middle powers. He illustrated this with examples ranging from Chinese investment in security and infrastructure projects to India’s support in the IT sector, underscoring how Tashkent and its neighbours deliberately cultivate a diversified network of partners to safeguard sovereignty and spur development.   A significant portion of the interview focused on China–Central Asia relations. An expert emphasised that geographical proximity, economic pragmatism, and technological opportunities make cooperation with China a strategic necessity, particularly in areas such as renewable energy, digital innovation, and infrastructure modernisation. However, he also highlighted persistent “knowledge gaps” and cultural unfamiliarity between Chinese and Central Asian stakeholders, calling for deeper people-to-people exchanges, academic cooperation, and language training to ensure long-term mutual understanding.   The discussion also explored domestic governance capacity, water security, and climate resilience. He noted the enduring strength of Central Asia’s state institutions, rooted in centuries-old traditions of governance and reinforced by modern education systems. At the same time, he warned of mounting challenges such as the Kashtapa Canal project in Afghanistan, climate-induced water scarcity, and outdated energy infrastructure, stressing the need for technological assistance, regional coordination, and sustainable development partnerships to avert future crises.   Finally, Mr. Gafarov concluded by reaffirming Central Asia’s strategic autonomy within a multipolar world, insisting that the region’s future lies in pragmatic, diversified diplomacy and proactive engagement with both major and middle powers. His interview offered a rare insider’s perspective on how Central Asian states are transforming from “invisible players” into shapers of Eurasia’s geopolitical and economic order.   Read the interview on ESSRA   * 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.

Prof. Azamat Seitov in his interview with China News emphasized that the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) has evolved into one of the world’s most significant multilateral mechanisms. He underlined that its strength lies not only in its vast demographic and economic weight, accounting for nearly half of the world’s population and over 20 trillion USD in GDP, but also in its role as a stabilizer in an era of growing global uncertainty. Guided by the “Shanghai Spirit”, rooted in trust, mutual respect, and consensus, the SCO has become a unique platform fostering cohesion and eliminating barriers among member states.   Prof. Seitov particularly noted that the SCO’s institutional framework and coordination mechanisms across political, economic, and cultural domains provide it with resilience and credibility. The organization has steadily transformed into a multifunctional body encompassing trade, energy, culture, connectivity, and green development. Projects such as the China–Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan railway exemplify this transformation, offering both economic vitality and deeper social integration, while advancing the region’s long-term strategy of connectivity and infrastructure development.   Looking ahead, he stressed the importance of upcoming SCO summits as opportunities to address institutional barriers and enhance transparency in regional projects. He expressed confidence that member states will continue expanding their cooperation agenda, particularly in emerging fields such as the digital economy, energy, and green technologies. For Central Asia, he argued, the SCO represents a reliable pillar of stability and a constructive partnership platform, positioning the region to enter a new phase of sustainable development and closer integration.   Read the interview on China News   * 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.

Abbos Bobokhonov, Head of the Center for Asia-Pacific Studies at IAIS, discussed on the television program “Studio 24” the significance of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) in the context of the transformation of the global system of international relations and its impact on the dynamics in Central Asia.   During the conversation, the expert emphasized that over the past two decades, the SCO has become an authoritative international platform that unites the largest states of Eurasia and exerts a growing influence on the formation of a multipolar world order. According to him, the organization not only promotes trust and security, but is also actively developing as a center for economic and humanitarian cooperation.   Particular attention was paid to the role of Central Asia, which is at the heart of the SCO’s spatial and political dimension. In this context, the discussion focused on how the organization's platform contributes to strengthening regional stability, developing transport and energy links, and creating new opportunities for economic growth.   The expert focused separately on Uzbekistan’s initiatives, which are systematically put forward at SCO summits and meetings. He noted that Tashkent is promoting the ideas of deepening economic cooperation, forming sustainable transport corridors, developing green energy, and expanding cultural and humanitarian exchanges. These initiatives reflect the country’s strategic vision as a constructive and proactive participant in international relations.   In conclusion, it was emphasized that Uzbekistan’s participation in the SCO strengthens its role in ensuring regional security and sustainable development and demonstrates the country’s readiness to contribute to the formation of a fair and balanced global system.   * 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.

The Centre for European Security Studies’ EU–Central Asia Monitoring initiative has released a new episode of its podcast series “A Chat in the Yurt”, featuring Professor Timur Dadabaev, Senior Associate Fellow at IAIS.   In a wide-ranging conversation with the hosts, Prof. Dadabaev explored the evolution of Central Asian regional identity, highlighting how it develops along a path distinct from that of Eastern Europe, Russia, or South Asia, while maintaining an inclusive character that allows for multiple local and external influences. He underscored that this adaptability enables Central Asian states to both acknowledge their Soviet past and engage constructively with diverse partners such as Türkiye, China, Europe, and Russia.   The discussion also addressed comparisons between Central Asian and European regional identities, noting the unique historical and cultural trajectories shaping each. Prof. Dadabaev offered valuable insights into the perceptions of youth, observing that while regional identity may appear fragmented within the region, it often emerges more prominently when viewed from abroad.   By shedding light on these dynamics, the episode contributes to ongoing debates about the region’s place in a rapidly changing global landscape, making it a valuable resource for scholars, policymakers, and students alike.   Listen to the podcast on Soundcloud   * 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.