CACI FORUM
Current Dynamics in Eurasia Region: Political and Economic Implications
Monday, 4 May 2015, from 5 to 7 PM
You may view a recorded version of this CACI Forum below or on the SAIS events YouTube channel.
Recent developments in the Eurasia region demonstrate that regional superpowers stepped into a vigorous race for shaping a geopolitical picture that suits their own political interests and security considerations. Russia has formed a union of allies that helps to destabilize countries that did not pledge their loyalty to Russia: the Eurasia Economic Union, established by Russia, Belarus and Kazakhstan, will extend its borders as far as Armenia and Kyrgyz Republic (pending ratification in May). Thus Russia uses political and military leverage to form a comfort zone in the Caucasus and Central Asia; meanwhile, China uses trade and massive infrastructure projects financing to increase influence in Central Asia and Mongolia. At the same time, the European Union has been cooperating with Ukraine and republics in the Caucasus to sign EU association agreements on free trade within the European Union.
Countries in Central Asia, Caucasus and Mongolia are at the crossroads of choosing their destinies. What will be the future of the region? What will be the role of Eurasian Economic Union? Will China’s role in Central Asia grow?
CACI Rumsfeld fellows will discuss possible scenarios of development in the Eurasia region, with relevant political, social, and economic implications, based on their personal experience in public sector and business.
CACI FORUM
Latvian Presidency and EU Policy Towards Central Asia
Tuesday, 28 April 2015, from 5 to 7 PM
(reception at 5 p.m., followed by main program at 5:30)
When Latvia assumed the EU presidency in January, 2015, it immediately identified Central Asia as a main focus of its presidency. It moved quickly to organize several high profile events and activities aimed at greater political and economic engagement of the EU with the region, and has more yet to come.
Our speakers will discuss recent initiatives by the EU to enhance political and security contacts and greater trade between European countries and the states of Central Asia, and the implications of this policy for the region and also for the United States.
CACI Forum
Climate Change in Central Asia: Existential Threat or Chimera?
Tuesday, 14 April 2015, from 5 to 7 PM (reception at 5 p.m., followed by main program at 5:30)
Is Central Asia's climate changing? If so, how and why? How much are the changes due to global factors, and how much to human causes? Finally, what are the consequences for the region's future? Expert speakers will wrestle with these urgent questions at this forthcoming forum.
CACI FORUM
Kazakhstan's Challenging Geopolitical Environment
Tuesday, 31 March 2015, from 5 to 7 PM (reception at 5 p.m., followed by main program at 5:30)
Kazakhstan, Central Asia's largest economy, faces daunting geopolitical challenges. How will Kazakhstan address developments in Ukraine, the Eurasia Economic Union, and in Afghanistan? Three experts from Kazakhstan share their thoughts on these and related issues.