Central Asia

Central Asia, a landlocked region of ex-Soviet republics, is strategically located between Russia and Iran. It's newsworthy due to its efforts to diversify trade routes and reduce dependence on these powers, primarily through railway projects extending south through Afghanistan to the Arabian Sea. Recent developments include Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan spearheading these railway initiatives. Simultaneously, Central Asia is grappling with a severe water crisis exacerbated by climate change, which poses a strategic threat to Eurasian trade, food markets, and energy systems. China's increasing investment in Central Asian 'smart city' projects, contrasted with Russia's absence, highlights a potential shift in economic influence. These developments are relevant due to their implications for regional geopolitics, trade dynamics, and resource security within Eurasia, demanding attention from major players like China and Europe.