The five former Soviet republics that constitute Central Asia—Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan—are energy-rich countries and have geostrategic significance because of their proximity to Russia and Afghanistan. RAND research has explored important aspects of the region, including its economic development, security environment, human rights practices, and political stability.
The RAND Center for Asia Pacific Policy (CAPP) is a nonprofit, nonpartisan, multidisciplinary research center within RAND. CAPP's mission is to improve policy by providing decision-makers and the public with rigorous, objective, cutting-edge research on critical policy challenges facing Asia and U.S.-Asia relations.
Commentary
A comprehensive Indian military training effort in Afghanistan would balance Pakistan's own involvement in the country, build upon a decade of American achievements in fighting the Taliban and al-Qaeda, and contribute to peace and security in the region, write Larry Hanauer and Peter Chalk.
News Release
India and Pakistan each have a stake in influencing developments in Afghanistan and both countries engage in Afghanistan to advance their own respective geopolitical, defense, and economic objectives. However, India has far more to offer.
Report
India and Pakistan each have a stake in influencing developments in Afghanistan and both countries engage in Afghanistan to advance their own respective geopolitical, defense, and economic objectives. However, India has far more to offer.
Report
Turkey aspires to become a key transit state for moving both natural gas and oil from the Caspian region and from the broader Middle East via pipelines crossing its territory. U.S.-Turkish cooperation on energy security issues offers a promising yet modest opportunity to strengthen the bilateral relationship.
Commentary
The last thing Karzai, NATO, and the United States can afford is the emergence of a renewed northern alliance, writes James Dobbins.
News Release
Former government and business leader Andrew Weiss has been named executive director of the RAND Business Leaders Forum and the director of the RAND Center for Russia and Eurasia, RAND Corporation President and CEO James A. Thomson announced today.
Journal Article
This article argues that since the mid-1990s Tajikistan has become a narco-state, in which leaders of the most powerful trafficking groups occupy high-ranking government positions and misuse state structures for their own illicit businesses.
Commentary
Published commentary by RAND staff: C. Asia's Great Game, in United Press International.
Commentary
Published commentary by RAND staff: Central Asia's Other 'Turkmenbashis', in Project Syndicate--an association that distributes commentaries to 291 newspapers in 115 countries.
News Release
January 3, 2007 News Release: RAND Evaluates Efforts to Improve Effectiveness and Human Rights Performance of Internal Security Forces in 4 Nations.
Report
This report assesses the economic dimensions of security in post-Soviet Central Asia, and considers their implications for the role of the United States.
Report
Assesses the success of U.S. assistance in improving the effectiveness, accountability, and respect for human rights of internal security forces in repressive regimes.
Research Brief
This research brief assesses the economic dimensions of security in post-Soviet Central Asia and considers their implications for the role of the United States.
Research Brief
This research brief highlights the nature of Asian states' interests and influence in Central Asia, as well as their interpretations of U.S. intentions in the region, as a starting point for shaping future U.S. policy in Central Asia.
Report
This monograph provides an assessment of the nature of Asian states' interest and influence in Central Asia in order to determine the development of these relationships and how they will shape strategic dynamics of Asia in the coming years.
Research Brief
This research brief highlights key factors in South Asia imperiling U.S. interests, and suggests steps the U.S. military might take to advance and defend U.S. interests in the region.
Report
Examines long-term U.S. military interests in Central Asia.
Commentary
Published commentary by RAND staff: Why America Shouldn't Sever Uzbekistan Ties, appearing in Balitmore Sun.
Research Brief
This research brief analyzes the implications of economic, political, and social trends in Central Asia and examines the U.S. military role in the area.
Report
Considers key factors underlying the likelihood of conflict in Central Asia and South Caucasus, assessing their implications for regional security and for U.S. interests and potential involvement over the next 10 to 15 years.
RAND® is a registered trademark. Copyright © 1994-2013 RAND Corporation.