Brookings: Topics - Central Asia

Foreign Policy

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 16:23:32 GMT

The U.S. and the international community face great challenges in the 21st century—globalization offers more freedom and prosperity, but also new threats to our security. The Foreign Policy Studies scholars and research help policymakers and the public address these crucial issues.

Case Study on Aid Effectiveness in Tajikistan

Wed, 14 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Official Development Aid grew significantly from 1992 to 2006; and transformed from mostly humanitarian aid and food assistance to financing the reforms and development of Tajikistan. In this case study, Rustam Aminjanov, Matin Kholmatov, and Firuz Kataev present Tajikistan's perspective of, experiences with, and challenges to foreign aid.

Aid Coordination on the Ground: Are Joint Country Assistance Strategies the Answer?

Wed, 22 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The dilemma of what to do about aid fragmentation remains a challenge. In a new working paper, Johannes Linn discusses comprehensive approaches to aid coordination and how joint country assistance strategies could be an effective strategy.

The Failure to Protect: Battle-Affected IDPs in Southern Afghanistan

Mon, 22 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Civilians have long borne the brunt of the conflict in Afghanistan. According to the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan, civilian casualties in 2008 were 40% higher than the previous year. However, although civilian casualties are widely covered and are being addressed, Alex Mundt and Susanne Schmeidl point out that the broader protection concerns, particularly the plight of battle-affected IDPs, remain invisible and largely unacknowledged.

Between a Rock and a Hard Place: The Return of Internally Displaced Persons to Northern Afghanistan

Mon, 01 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

At first glance, the return of hundreds of displaced Pashtun families from war-torn Kandahar province in southern Afghanistan to their villages of origin in the comparatively peaceful north would seem an obvious and attractive option. It is a solution welcomed by a beleagured Afghan government and supported by the United Nations agencies. But, as with many things in Afghanistan, as Mundt, Schmeidl, and Ziai argue, apperances often deceive.

The Migration-Displacement Nexus in Afghanistan

Mon, 04 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Migration and displacement in and from Afghanistan are bewilderingly complex. One of the world's largest protracted refugee situations coincides with the largest repatriation in recent history. Returnees to Afghanistan cross paths with increasing numbers of cross-border migrants, traders, and new refugees moving in the opposite direction. Other returnees have become IDPs. Khalid Koser argues that as a result, Afghanistan's border regions illustrate a "migration-displacement nexus."

Afghanistan: What Is at Stake?

Thu, 30 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Twice in the last 25 years the United States has squandered great victories achieved in Afghanistan by failing to follow up battlefield success with a commitment to helping build a stable government. Bruce Riedel analyzes these past victories and explains how the new administration can avoid replicating past mistakes that would have greater consequence today.

Grading Obama's Afghanistan Strategy

Fri, 27 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT

While Michael O'Hanlon generally supports the new Afghanistan strategy set forth by the Obama administration, he feels it can still be improved and offers suggestions to do so.

Can Obama Win In Afghanistan?

Fri, 20 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT

By 2010, the Afghanistan conflict will have become the longest war in American history. Michael O'Hanlon defends President Obama's proposed plan for roughly doubling U.S. combat forces in Afghanistan and argues that the strategic stakes in Afghanistan are high, given Al Qaeda's presence in the country. But, says O'Hanlon, the prospects for stability are reasonably good.

Displacement, Human Development, and Security in Afghanistan

Mon, 16 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Nearly five million refugees have returned to Afghanistan since 2002 and the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) often cites Afghanistan as a positive example of refugee repatriation. In reality, however, the return of Afghan refugees may prove to be one of the most ill-conceived policies in the Islamic world in recent times.

Connecting Central Asia with the World

Mon, 02 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Johannes Linn examines the impact of the global economic crisis on Central Asia—a transit and natural resource hub in the Eurasian super-continent. He assesses the region’s needs for economic integration and cooperation with the rest of the world.

Regional Cooperation in Central Asia: Another Step Forward with CAREC

Wed, 10 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Johannes Linn outlines the 7^th Ministerial Conference of the Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation Program (CAREC), which approved strategies for greater technical, operational, and financial solutions to the region. Operating since 2002, CAREC now needs to focus on these solutions to bring about sustainable development, improved infrastructure and institutional capacity of Central Asian countries, which is home to 120 million inhabitants.

The Experience with Regional Economic Cooperation Organizations: Lessons for Central Asia

Fri, 31 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Central Asia has attempted to strengthen its regional integration and cooperation since the collapse of the Soviet Union. Johannes Linn and Oksana Pidufala globally examine regional cooperation initiatives and organizations, and analyze functions and performance to draw lessons for the future success of the Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation Program.

Turmoil in Central Asia

Tue, 12 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT

North of Afghanistan, Central Asia faces great instability with the impending threat of political unrest, economic downturn, and water shortages. Martha Brill Olcott from the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace and Johannes Linn examine the instability of the region and its implications for Afghanistan, and urge the international community to pay greater attention to the region’s needs.

The Compound Water-Energy-Food Crisis Risks in Central Asia

Tue, 12 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT

In June 2008, Johannes Linn warned of a water and energy crisis facing Central Asia and advised governments and international agencies to take urgent action. The following month, at the invitation of the United Nations Development Program, 15 international and bilateral agencies met in Kazakhstan to review the impending crisis in the region. Linn highlights the agencies’ findings and provides an update on the regions and international community’s next steps.

Central Asia's Energy Challenge: Overcoming the Natural Resource Curse

Mon, 11 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Johannes Linn examines the challenges of managing the abundance of natural resources in Central Asia. Macroeconomic management difficulties, volatility of earnings, and negative impacts of high natural resource revenues on national institutions and governance are common consequences of the “natural resource curse.”

Tajikistan: Progress and Problems at the Heart of Central Asia

Wed, 09 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Tajikistan, a former Soviet Republic, occupies a geopolitically sensitive location at the core of Greater Central Asia. Johannes Linn reflects on the country’s ten years of transition from civil war to peace, from deep economic recession to sustained growth, and most recently from facing good prospects to confronting serious risks.

Water-Energy Links in Central Asia

Mon, 30 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT

While Central Asia faces a major water and energy crisis, Tajikistan looks towards a potential long-term remedy—completion of what is to become the world’s highest dam. Johannes Linn visited Rogun Dam and explains that the Soviet-era dam could generate enough power for most of the country’s electricity needs and provide exports to neighboring countries.

Displacement and Security in Afghanistan

Mon, 23 Jun 2008 09:00:00 GMT

Event Information:

June 23, 2008, 9:00 AM to 10:30 AM

The resurgence of the Taliban in Afghanistan has complicated the displacement crisis in the country, as fighting continues to displace both new groups and IDP and refugee returnees. The Brookings-Bern Project on Internal Displacement hosted a breakfast with Ewan McLeod, the Deputy Representative of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees in Afghanistan to discuss the displacement sitaution for both IDPs in Afghanistan and refugees who have fled elsewhere.

The Impending Water Crisis in Central Asia: An Immediate Threat

Thu, 19 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Returning from Central Asia, Johannes Linn describes a water and energy crisis in the region, which could produce severe humanitarian, economic, and political challenges. Through a set of recommendations, Linn urges governments, international agencies, and multilateral and bilateral partners to take urgent steps to prevent this looming crisis.

CAREC: A Coming Force in Regional Affairs?

Tue, 08 Jan 2008 12:00:00 GMT

Event Information:

January 08, 2008, 12:00 PM to 12:00

At a recent event, Brookings Scholar Johannes Linn provided insight on CAREC’s efforts to bring together eight countries and six multilateral institutions to achieve accelerated economic growth and poverty reduction .

Central Asia: A New Hub of Global Integration

Thu, 29 Nov 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Central Asia, once viewed as the backyard of the Soviet Union, is now Eurasia's hub of economic integration. Johannes Linn, Brookings Scholar and Special Adviser to the Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation Program (CAREC), explains what a recent spate of high-level meetings mean for the future of Central Asia, Eurasia and the rest of the world.

People In Transition: Assessing the Economies of Central and Eastern Europe and the CIS

Wed, 28 Nov 2007 12:00:00 GMT

Event Information:

November 28, 2007, 12:00 PM to 12:00

Internal Displacement in Afghanistan

Thu, 08 Nov 2007 00:00:00 GMT

The number of IDPs in Afghanistan masks the true significance of internal displacement in the country.

Improving Government Expenditure Performance in Africa: World Bank Experiences

Tue, 23 Oct 2007 12:30:00 GMT

Event Information:

October 23, 2007, 12:30 PM to 2:30

The World Bank’s Africa team examined the major governance issues, successful reforms and fiduciary challenges facing governments in the region from the perspective of World Bank staff who work closely with developing country leaders.

Integrating Central Asia into the World Economy: Perspectives from the Region and from the U.S.

Mon, 22 Oct 2007 14:00:00 GMT

Event Information:

October 22, 2007, 2:00 PM to 05:30 PM

The Carnegie Endowment for International Peace and the Wolfensohn Center for Development at the Brookings Institution, in partnership with the Asian Development Bank and the Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation Program (CAREC) held an international conference on "Integrating Central Asia into the World Economy: The Role of Energy and Transport Infrastructure."

Improving Government Expenditure Performance in Eastern Europe and Central Asia: World Bank Experiences

Tue, 09 Oct 2007 12:00:00 GMT

Event Information:

October 09, 2007, 12:00 PM to 2:30

The World Bank’s Eastern Europe and Central Asia team examined the major governance issues, successful reforms and fiduciary challenges facing governments in the region from the perspective of World Bank staff who work closely with developing country leaders.

Central Asia – National Interests and Regional Prospects

Fri, 31 Aug 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Central Asia: The Core of the Eurasian Super-Continent

Mon, 02 Jul 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Interview by Johannes F. Linn, neweurasia (07/02/07)

Weak States: America's Potent New Enemy

Fri, 02 Feb 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Interview with Carlos Pascual, Bloggingheads.tv (2/2/07)

Central Asian Regional Integration: Interests of Partner States and Prospects for Cooperation

Fri, 22 Dec 2006 00:00:00 GMT

The unexpected demise of President Niyazov of Turkmenistan has called renewed attention to the unsettled situation and uncertain prospects for Central Asia, one of the pivotal regions of the world. Johannes Linn reviews the state interests and the prospects of the region.

Eurasian Integration -- a Super-continental Opportunity for Russia

Fri, 24 Nov 2006 00:00:00 GMT

Opinion by Johannes Linn (11/24/2006)

The Challenges and Opportunities of Regional Cooperation and Integration in Central Asia

Mon, 27 Mar 2006 09:00:00 GMT

Event Information:

March 27, 2006, 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM

Central Asia has been the focus of international attention since the break-up of the Soviet Union. As countries such as Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan become more integrated and dependent upon one another, there is a real need for the region to work together toward a stable, prosperous and cohesive Central Asia region.

Central Asia Human Development Report

Sun, 01 Jan 2006 00:00:00 GMT

Report by Johannes F. Linn and UNDP (January 2006)

National Human Rights Institutions and Internally Displaced Persons

Wed, 26 Oct 2005 09:00:00 GMT

Event Information:

October 26, 2005, 9:00 AM to 05:00 PM
October 28, 2005, 9:00 AM to 05:00 PM

Although many National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs), especially in developing countries, lack capacity, they are beginning to increasingly focus attention on the issue of internal displacement. In countries with internal displacement, NHRIs have a valuable role to play in protecting and promoting the human rights of IDPs.

Understanding Social Unrest in Uzbekistan and Central Asia: New Perspectives and Novel Methodologies

Thu, 02 Jun 2005 10:30:00 GMT

Event Information:

June 02, 2005, 10:30 AM to 12:00 PM

Brookings experts presented the findings from their research—based on modeling work, survey data, and recent visits on the ground—on civil unrest in Central Asia.

Uzbek Fury

Fri, 20 May 2005 00:00:00 GMT

Opinion by Fiona Hill, The Wall Street Journal (5/20/05)

International Relations in Central-Eastern Asia: Geopolitical Challenges and Prospects for Political Cooperation

Tue, 01 Jun 2004 00:00:00 GMT

CNAPS Working Paper by Alexei Bogaturov (June 2004)

Central Asia's Failing State

Mon, 05 Apr 2004 00:00:00 GMT

Opinion by Fiona Hill, The Wall Street Journal (4/5/04)

The Economic Outlook for Eurasia: From Transition to Sustained Growth and Integration?

Wed, 04 Feb 2004 00:00:00 GMT

Paper by Johannes F. Linn (2/4/04)

Business Opportunities in Eurasia

Tue, 14 Oct 2003 00:00:00 GMT

Speech by Johannes F. Linn, 2nd Annual Eurasia Summit on Economic Development, Energy & Regional Security

Central Asia: Terrorism, Religious Extremism, and Regional Stability

Wed, 23 Jul 2003 00:00:00 GMT

Testimony by Fiona Hill before the House International Relations Committee (7/23/03)

The Role of Protection in Ending Displacement

Thu, 01 May 2003 00:00:00 GMT

Ending displacement will clearly require greater international commitment to integrating human rights and protection concerns into return processes and to making sure that organizations on the ground have th expertise, training, and resources to carry out such activities.

Reconstruction and Development Need Security To Be Effective (Afghanistan)

Sat, 01 Mar 2003 00:00:00 GMT

Article by Roberta Cohen in Global Future (First Quarter, 2003)

United States Foreign Policy in the States of Central Asia

Tue, 12 Nov 2002 00:00:00 GMT

Event Information:

November 12, 2002 at 12:00 AM

Four speakers offered an overview of the changes in United States policy toward Central Asia since September 11, 2001, and of recent developments in the region.

Send Stronger 'Stability Force' to Afghanistan

Fri, 14 Jun 2002 00:00:00 GMT

Opinion by Roberta Cohen and Michael O'Hanlon, Senior Fellows, the Brookings Institution, in The Baltimore Sun, June 14, 2002

Humanitarian Relief Key to U.S. Success

Mon, 08 Oct 2001 00:00:00 GMT

Recent reports suggest that the Pentagon is considering how to deliver humanitarian relief to the suffering Afghan people as an integral and early part of any U.S. military intervention against Osama bin Laden and the Taliban government. That is absolutely the right instinct.

Silencing Central Asia: The Voice of Dissidents

Wed, 18 Jul 2001 00:00:00 GMT

Testimony by Fiona Hill before the House Committee on International Relations

The Caucasus and Central Asia: How the United States and Its Allies Can Stave Off a Crisis

Tue, 01 May 2001 00:00:00 GMT

Policy Brief #80, by Fiona Hill (May 2001)