Regional Cooperation in Central Asia Amid Global Shifts was discussed at the GWU Central Asia Program
May 27, 2025
Host: George Washington University, Central Asia Program
Event: Regional Cooperation in Central Asia Amid Global Shifts
The recent event exploring the evolving dynamics of regional cooperation in Central Asia brought together leading experts to discuss the region’s response to global upheavals, including the war in Ukraine, China’s ascent, and Russia’s shifting role.
Speakers Aitolkyn Kourmanova, Wesley Alexander Hill, and Margarita Assenova offered deep and nuanced insights into the economic, geopolitical, and security dimensions shaping Central Asia today. They examined key regional initiatives such as the C5+1 platform, cross-border collaboration, and efforts to forge a shared regional vision grounded in both historical legacy and contemporary necessity.
As a representative of the Center for Global Civic and Political Strategies, I had the opportunity to engage directly by raising critical issues surrounding security cooperation outside of the CSTO framework. The discussion underscored how Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan are increasingly asserting regional agency through diversified diplomacy, economic resilience, and strategic balancing between major powers.
The event was moderated by Dr. Sebastien Peyrouse of The George Washington University, highlighting the momentum building toward a potential "Central Asian Renaissance"—a compelling vision of regional unity, identity, and strength in an era of global uncertainty.
