Annual Security Workshop: Navigating Global Turbulence: Building Resilience in Central Asia

In-Person Event

Thursday, March 28, 2024 from 8:45 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. (EDT)

Central Asia is at a pivotal point, facing significant geopolitical, economic, and environmental challenges that could have global consequences. The Central Asia Program Security Workshop aims to address these issues by fostering dialog among experts and stakeholders, particularly in light of Russia’s war on Ukraine and China’s rising influence. The conference will explore shifting dynamics in the region, the potential for economic growth through enhanced cooperation, and the importance of environmental sustainability. Additionally, it will assess the role of civil society in promoting democratic governance and respect for human rights. The goal is to develop actionable insights to improve US engagement and support the region’s stability, prosperity, and democratization.

Event Agenda

8:45 – 9:00 a.m. Introductory Remarks

Sebastien Peyrouse, Central Asia Program, IERES, GWU

9:00 – 9:30 a.m. Keynote Speaker

Central Asia’s Changing Security Dilemmas

Eric Rudenshiold, Caspian Policy Center

9:45 – 11:00 a.m. Panel 1

The Geopolitical Kaleidoscope: Central Asia amidst Global Turmoil

Chair: Sebastien Peyrouse, Central Asia Program, IERES, GWU

In Their Own Words: What Focus Groups Can Tell Us about Central Asian Views of the War in Ukraine

Eric McGlinchey, George Mason University

Central Asia and Russia’s Invasion of Ukraine: Drifting away from Moscow’s Orbit?

Christopher Primiano, Huntingdon College

Reactions to Israel’s War in Gaza in Central Asia 

Colleen Wood, Century College 

The Evolving Relations between Central Asia and Taliban-Led Afghanistan

Barmak Pazhwak, United States Institute of Peace

11:10 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. Panel 2

Empowering Central Asia: Advancing Economic Growth and Business Opportunities

Chair: US Ambassador Allan Mustard (ret.)

Central Asia’s Significance for American Companies: Steps to Consider

Elena V. Son-LaRocco, Executive Director, The American-Uzbekistan Chamber of Commerce, The US-Kyrgyzstan Business Council, The US-Tajikistan Business Council, The US-Afghanistan Business Initiative

Is Turkmenistan Safe, and Safe for Business? 

Eric Stewart, US-Turkmenistan Business Council

Strengthening Economic Security in Central Asia through Business-Led Regional Economic Integration

Sobir Kurbanov Center for International Private Enterprise (CIPE)

Leveraging Geopolitical Importance to Harness Sustainable Economic and Business Development in Central Asia

Ayoob Ayoobi, Project C.U.R.E.

12:15 – 1:15 p.m. Lunch Break

1:15 – 2:30 p.m. Panel 3

Preserving Central Asia’s Environment: Strategies for Sustainability

Chair: Robert Orttung, IERES, GWU

Regional Climate Action and the Role of the CAREC Regional Platform for Supporting Such Action

Johannes Linn, Brookings Institution

Endangered, but Not Extinct: Environmental Defenders in Central Asia

Kate Watters, Crude Accountability

Climate Mobility in Central Asia: An Understudied Issue?

Suzy Blondin, University of Neuchâtel

Environmental Sustainability through the Green Economy’s Stakeholder Perspectives: A Case Study of Kazakhstan 

Darzhan Kazbekova, Syracuse University

2:45 – 4:00 p.m. Panel 4

Strengthening Cooperation: Enhancing US Engagement in Central Asia

Chair: Eric Rudenshiold, Caspian Policy Center

Beyond Business: Engaging Central Asia in Other Spheres

Allan Mustard, US Ambassador (ret.)

Empowering US Engagement in Tajikistan

Zuhra Halimova, Consultant, World Bank

Funding for Human Rights Work in Kazakhstan

Aida Aidarkulova, CAPS Unlock

Investing in Liberty: Strengthening Foreign Aid for Civil Society in Central Asia

Sebastien Peyrouse, Central Asia Program, IERES, GWU

Join us in the Lindner Family Commons (Room 602) at GW Elliott School of International Affairs