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Central Asia-Caucasus Institute (CACI) @caci-silkroad.bsky.social · 05/08/2026

Under Viktor Orbán, Hungary’s engagement with the OTS served both practical and ideological purposes. However, Prime Minister Peter Magyar has signaled a clear rhetorical break, placing Hungary’s future firmly within the European Union. Read the analysis here: buff.ly/cOra6IZ buff.ly/Y1sfU07

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Central Asia-Caucasus Institute (CACI) @caci-silkroad.bsky.social · 04/08/2026

Russia and Iran are moving closer to implementing a long-negotiated natural gas agreement, with Azerbaijan as the preferred transit route for Russian gas exports to Iran. Read Vali Kaleji's analysis here: buff.ly/cOra6IZ

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Central Asia-Caucasus Institute (CACI) @caci-silkroad.bsky.social · 30/07/2026

For the future of the China–Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan (CKU) railway and Middle Corridor connectivity, the durability of this Caucasus terminus may matter as much as the eastern infrastructure itself. Read Kordirjon Eshonkulov's analysis here: buff.ly/I5XIsnN

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Central Asia-Caucasus Institute (CACI) @caci-silkroad.bsky.social · 28/07/2026

The Afghan Taliban’s growing investment in drone technology reflects a broader global trend where actors with limited resources use affordable drone systems to challenge better-equipped opponents like Pakistan.

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Central Asia-Caucasus Institute (CACI) @caci-silkroad.bsky.social · 20/07/2026

Russia no longer runs conflict management in the South Caucasus. Mathieu Lemoine on what Armenia's June elections change (and what they don't): the peace process with Azerbaijan, transit through Syunik, and whether Yerevan can turn its mandate into something durable

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Central Asia-Caucasus Institute (CACI) @caci-silkroad.bsky.social · 16/07/2026

Two rival westward corridors. Two competing railways through Afghanistan. Nargiza Umarova in the CACI Analyst on why Central Asia needs a unified transport strategy before external powers set the corridor agenda: buff.ly/m5YaWPR

buff.ly

Regional Connectivity and Central Asia’s Need for a Unified Strategy

By&nbsp;Nargiza Umarova In early June, Istanbul...

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Central Asia-Caucasus Institute (CACI) @caci-silkroad.bsky.social · 13/07/2026

The June 14th U.S.-Iran ceasefire has reshaped the strategic importance of overland trade routes across Central Asia and the South Caucasus. Here are our key takeaways: • The conflict exposed Iran’s reliance on the Strait of Hormuz, accelerating its push for overland connections through Afghanistan

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Central Asia-Caucasus Institute (CACI) @caci-silkroad.bsky.social · 06/07/2026

Armenia’s parliamentary elections may have set the country on a new geopolitical course. Here are our key takeaways: • Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan secured a governing majority on a platform of peace with Azerbaijan and closer engagement with the West.

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Central Asia-Caucasus Institute (CACI) @caci-silkroad.bsky.social · 06/07/2026

The election of Patriarch Shio III marks a new chapter for the Georgian Orthodox Church. Here are our key takeaways: • Shio III’s election could strengthen the pull of the Church’s conservative wing and reshape its role in Georgian politics.

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Central Asia-Caucasus Institute (CACI) @caci-silkroad.bsky.social · 06/07/2026

Eighteen years after the 2008 Russo-Georgian War, the key question is how Georgia began drifting away from Europe despite overwhelming public support for EU integration. This analysis explores how Moscow’s hybrid warfare strategy succeeded where military force failed.

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Central Asia-Caucasus Institute (CACI) @caci-silkroad.bsky.social · 25/06/2026

When a former Foreign Minister of Georgia and longtime Ambassador to the US tells you the difference between pragmatism and transactionalism, it's worth a read. Amb. Tedo Japaridze has a sharp new essay on our Substack.

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Central Asia-Caucasus Institute (CACI) @caci-silkroad.bsky.social · 25/06/2026

Armenia’s recent elections may mark a turning point in the country’s geopolitical trajectory. Here are our key takeaways: • Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s victory provides a renewed mandate for closer ties with the EU and the West.

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Central Asia-Caucasus Institute (CACI) @caci-silkroad.bsky.social · 22/06/2026

The latest Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) Summit highlighted the challenges facing geopolitical integration. Here are our key takeaways: • The EAEU seems to have reached its peak in composition and geopolitical design.

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Central Asia-Caucasus Institute (CACI) @caci-silkroad.bsky.social · 15/06/2026

Pakistan is expanding its role as a regional transit hub through new Eurasian trade corridors. Here are our key takeaways: • New connectivity initiatives are expanding Pakistan’s role in linking Central Asia to global markets.

cacianalyst.org

How Pakistan Is Reshaping Eurasian Trade Corridors

By&nbsp;Umair Jamal Pakistan has <a href=&qu...

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Central Asia-Caucasus Institute (CACI) @caci-silkroad.bsky.social · 10/06/2026

Russia’s new restrictions on migrant children are reshaping educational mobility in Central Asia. Here are our key takeaways: • Russia’s stricter language and enrollment requirements are weakening its long-standing role as the region’s default education destination.

cacianalyst.org

Central Asia's Educational Mobility Is Moving Beyond Its Old Default

By&nbsp;Jordan N. Troisi Russia’s recent school enrollment restrict...

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Central Asia-Caucasus Institute (CACI) @caci-silkroad.bsky.social · 09/06/2026

Armenia keeps deepening ties with the EU, but membership isn't actually the goal. Here's what's really going on: • At the recent Armenia–EU Summit, Yerevan expanded cooperation but pointedly did not pursue accession talks, despite having every European decision-maker in the room.

cacianalyst.org

The EU-Armenia Summit and Armenia's European Aspirations

By&nbsp;Suren Sargsyan On May 4-5, Yerevan hosted two significant e...

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Central Asia-Caucasus Institute (CACI) @caci-silkroad.bsky.social · 08/06/2026

Armenia is strengthening ties with the European Union, but full membership remains a distant prospect. Here are our key takeaways: • Armenia expanded cooperation with the EU at the recent Armenia–EU Summit, but did not pursue accession talks.

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Central Asia-Caucasus Institute (CACI) @caci-silkroad.bsky.social · 04/06/2026

✨ What made the Timurid era one of the greatest eras of extraordinary cultural achievement in history? In this fascinating article, Dr. S. Frederick Starr argues that Timurid achievements in art, architecture, literature, science and education cannot be understood in isolation.

open.substack.com

Notes on the Context of Timurid Culture

By S. Frederick Starr

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Central Asia-Caucasus Institute (CACI) @caci-silkroad.bsky.social · 02/06/2026

Pakistan and Iran are expanding regional connectivity through new overland trade routes. Here are our key takeaways: • Six new road corridors now link Pakistan’s ports to Iran, creating new pathways for trade with Central Asia.

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Central Asia-Caucasus Institute (CACI) @caci-silkroad.bsky.social · 28/05/2026

Armenia is trying to break Russia’s decades-long grip over its critical infrastructure. Here are our key takeaways: • Since 2008, Armenia’s railway system has been controlled by a Russian state-owned company under a concession agreement lasting until 2048.

cacianalyst.org

Armenia Seeks to Reduce Russia's Monopoly on Railway Infrastructure

By&nbsp;Vali Kaleji&nbsp; While the Armenian government appears...

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Central Asia-Caucasus Institute (CACI) @caci-silkroad.bsky.social · 21/05/2026

In the latest from CACI Analyst, authors Masom Jan Masomy and Eldaniz Gusseinov discuss how China is testing its role as a global stabilizer in the Afghan-Pakistan conflict. Read it on our website, or subscribe to our Substack to stay up-to-date on our publications!

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Central Asia-Caucasus Institute (CACI) @caci-silkroad.bsky.social · 20/05/2026

In the latest from CACI Analyst, author Anatoly Motkin discusses China's quiet digital conquest of Central Asia. Read it on our website, or subscribe to our Substack to stay up-to-date on our publications!

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Central Asia-Caucasus Institute (CACI) @caci-silkroad.bsky.social · 18/05/2026

In the latest from CACI Analyst, author Syed Fazl-e-Haider discusses India and Pakistan in the race for influence in Central Asia. Read it on our website, or subscribe to our Substack to stay up-to-date on our publications!

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Central Asia-Caucasus Institute (CACI) @caci-silkroad.bsky.social · 15/05/2026

In the latest from CACI Analyst, authors Giorgi Gvalia and Ivane Lomidze discuss Georgia's shifting stratgic outlook and its limits. Read it on our website, or subscribe to our Substack to stay up-to-date on our publications!

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Central Asia-Caucasus Institute (CACI) @caci-silkroad.bsky.social · 08/05/2026

In the latest from CACI Analyst, author Aigerim Turgunbaeva discusses power consolidation and emerging risks in Kyrgyzstan. Read it on our website, or subscribe to our Substack to stay up-to-date on our publications!

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Central Asia-Caucasus Institute (CACI) @caci-silkroad.bsky.social · 06/05/2026

From Tehran’s perspective, TRIPP may constitute a legitimate target, as it conflicts directly with Iranian interests. It is therefore essential to assess the risks that the Iran–U.S./Israel conflict poses to the TRIPP project. Read more here: buff.ly/kNV8OfH

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Central Asia-Caucasus Institute (CACI) @caci-silkroad.bsky.social · 04/05/2026

A new feature article examines the deterioration of the U.S.–Georgia bilateral relationship and its effects on Georgia's technology export sector. Read more here: buff.ly/viBYXlH

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Central Asia-Caucasus Institute (CACI) @caci-silkroad.bsky.social · 01/05/2026

The catastrophic flooding in Dagestan and northern Azerbaijan has exposed the limits of Russian state capacity on its southern periphery at a moment when Moscow's grip on the wider Caucasus is already loosening. Read more here: buff.ly/NARK92h

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Central Asia-Caucasus Institute (CACI) @caci-silkroad.bsky.social · 24/04/2026

Turkey has risen to drone superstardom. The U.S. will be forced to compete with -- rather than solely confront -- Turkey. Read more here: buff.ly/Dm1htXP

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Central Asia-Caucasus Institute (CACI) @caci-silkroad.bsky.social · 23/04/2026

AFPC Senior Vice President Ilan Berman discusses the U.S. conflict with Iran on the Fox News Channel on April 19, 2026!

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Central Asia-Caucasus Institute (CACI) @caci-silkroad.bsky.social · 22/04/2026

If implemented effectively, Uzbekistan's pivot as a regulated supplier of skilled labor to high-income markets could deepen the country's integration into regional and global economic networks. Read more here: buff.ly/EheuTZW

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Central Asia-Caucasus Institute (CACI) @caci-silkroad.bsky.social · 20/04/2026

The Wakhan Corridor could reshape trade between Afghanistan and China — but amidst shifting geopolitical challenges in the region, what will really happen? Read more in our new feature article by Nargiza Umarova: buff.ly/Y7dNFs3

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Central Asia-Caucasus Institute (CACI) @caci-silkroad.bsky.social · 16/04/2026

Between Iran’s active war zone and Pakistan’s military strikes, there's no safe direction for Afghanistan. Read more: www.cacianalyst.org/publications...

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Central Asia-Caucasus Institute (CACI) @caci-silkroad.bsky.social · 15/04/2026

The Iran War has temporarily disrupted the US focus on Caucasus-Central Asia connectivity. The United States must reassure the region that it still wishes to engage with its development. Read more here: buff.ly/JPH7FZC

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Central Asia-Caucasus Institute (CACI) @caci-silkroad.bsky.social · 10/04/2026

The reopening of the Türkiye-Armenia border would mark one of the most consequential geopolitical shifts in the South Caucasus since the end of the Cold War. Read more here: buff.ly/Sdm7cdP.

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Central Asia-Caucasus Institute (CACI) @caci-silkroad.bsky.social · 06/04/2026

Pakistan's "Operation Righteous Fury" isn't just about counterterrorism. It's a veiled bid for regime change in Kabul. But it won't work without China and Tajikistan on board. New CACI analysis breaks down what's at stake, including billions in regional connectivity projects hanging in the balance.

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Central Asia-Caucasus Institute (CACI) @caci-silkroad.bsky.social · 04/04/2026

On March 28th, Laura Linderman, Alexander Lutz, Lindsey Cliff, and Anna Harvey presented at the Midwest Slavic Conference at The Ohio State University. Keep an eye out for their papers, which are expected to be published by AFPC's CACI - Silk Road Studies Program this summer!

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Central Asia-Caucasus Institute (CACI) @caci-silkroad.bsky.social · 03/04/2026

New CACI Analysis: Despite Optimistic Growth Estimates, Georgia's Economy Is Entering A Period of Insecurity Read the full analysis by Tomáš Baranec and Giorgi Khishtovani: buff.ly/XM7pgh8

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Central Asia-Caucasus Institute (CACI) @caci-silkroad.bsky.social · 02/04/2026

New CACI Analysis: Political Battle for Armenia's Future Intensifies Ahead of June Elections Read the full analysis by Laura Thornton: buff.ly/QDpiiIF

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Central Asia-Caucasus Institute (CACI) @caci-silkroad.bsky.social · 31/03/2026

New CACI Analysis: "Azerbaijan's Silent Retreat From The Russian Frontier" As Russia's military presence in the Caucasus weakens under the strain of the war in Ukraine, Azerbaijan is quietly moving out of its orbit. Read the full analysis by Lydia Sawatsky: buff.ly/p89UmgL

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Central Asia-Caucasus Institute (CACI) @caci-silkroad.bsky.social · 30/03/2026

New CACI Analysis: War As Integration: How The Pakistan-Afghanistan Conflict Is Pulling Kabul Into Central-Asia Read the full analysis by Eldaniz Gusseinov and Rassul Kospanov: buff.ly/yChsjIp

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Central Asia-Caucasus Institute (CACI) @caci-silkroad.bsky.social · 27/03/2026

New CACI Analysis: "Middle East War Shakes Central Asia's Trade Ambitions" Read Saima Afzal's latest analysis: buff.ly/crcO9Dx

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Central Asia-Caucasus Institute (CACI) @caci-silkroad.bsky.social · 25/03/2026

New Turkey Analysis: "Erdoğan and the Iran War: Authoritarianism Makes Turkey Vulnerable" While Erdoğan’s foreign policy leadership may appear well suited for the perilous moment, his authoritarian rule isn’t. Read Halil Karaveli's latest analysis: buff.ly/1mvxNLY

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Central Asia-Caucasus Institute (CACI) @caci-silkroad.bsky.social · 24/03/2026

S. Frederick Starr, Distinguished Fellow for Eurasia and Chairman of the Central Asia-Caucasus Institute, joins a distinguished panel of experts for “The Middle Corridor: Reality vs. Rhetoric.” 🎧 Spotify: buff.ly/nzymZSi ▶️ YouTube: buff.ly/zPIvBrF

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Central Asia-Caucasus Institute (CACI) @caci-silkroad.bsky.social · 24/03/2026

New CACI Analysis: "Georgian Government's Educational Reform Sparks Academic and Societal Protest" Read Irakli Laitadze's latest analysis: buff.ly/XSP7fuo

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Central Asia-Caucasus Institute (CACI) @caci-silkroad.bsky.social · 20/03/2026

📖 Read now! Don't miss Mamuka Tsereteli & Scott Wayne's CACI Feature Article "Uzbekistan Tourism: The Quality Imperative" 🔗 buff.ly/d2JstFC

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Central Asia-Caucasus Institute (CACI) @caci-silkroad.bsky.social · 10/03/2026

New CACI Analysis: "Pakistan Declares 'Open War' on Afghanistan: Implications For The Region" Read Umair Jamal's latest analysis: buff.ly/EWghPlg

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Central Asia-Caucasus Institute (CACI) @caci-silkroad.bsky.social · 09/03/2026

New CACI Analysis: "Armenia’s Geopolitical Pivot: Strategic Ambiguity and the Search for New Security Anchors" Armenia is currently navigating its most significant geopolitical shift since its independence in 1991. Read Ebru Akgün's latest analysis: buff.ly/ZFk20Ph

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