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
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