Central Asian Region Research Articles

Prospects for the Integration of China and the CSTO

Modern challenges, packages of European and American sanctions, and a special military operation in Ukraine have contributed to Russia’s reorientation to the East, not only in trade, economic and energy terms. The issue of military-political cooperation, in particular, between the countries of the Collective Security Treaty Organization and the People’s Republic of China has acquired particular relevance. The coherence of their actions both in the direction of “CSTO + 1” and “CSTO + Shanghai Cooperation Organization” contributed to the development of interaction, a new round in the development of the CSTO, although some of its participants declare the possibility of leaving the Treaty (Armenia). But there are also countries that are ready to take a more active part in its work (Syria, North Korea). At the same time, none of the CSTO countries sent their military contingents to support the Russian army in the Northern Military District.The Central Asian region occupies a special place in the system of relations between the CSTO and China: for example, the peacekeeping operation of the CSTO countries in Kazakhstan in January 2022 attracted the close attention of the Chinese authorities, which once again demonstrated their interest in regional stability. In the context of American pressure on China, its authorities have repeatedly spoken positively about jointly countering such challenges as terrorism, separatism and extremism (“three evils”).The purpose of this work is to assess the prospects for cooperation in the field of countering the “three evils”. To achieve this goal, the authors use the comparative analysis method and SWOT assessment. The authors come to the concluson that since the CSTO countries and China face similar challenges, there is a possibility of situational involvement of China in the military operations of the CSTO. Therefore, a broader consideration of the “linkage” between the CSTO and the SCO is required.

The heterogeneity of human flood adaptation characteristics in Central Asia based on human-flood distance

The Central Asian region is subject to frequent seasonal floods, resulting in substantial losses. These recurrent floods have induced certain changes in human flood adaptation characteristics in Central Asia, an area that is currently under-researched. This study, grounded in meticulously simulated flood inundation outcomes, multisource population distribution data, and flood protection infrastructure data, introduces an improved approach to calculating the distance between human and flood (HFD) and investigates human flood adaptation characteristics in Central Asia. Our findings indicate that residents in Central Asia get close to flood-prone areas from 1970 to 2007, with the exceptions of Turkmenistan (TKM) and Kyrgyzstan (KGZ). Notably, this trend is particularly pronounced in regions such as Xinjiang, China, and Tajikistan (TJK). An intricate exponential increase is observed in the population exposed to floods as the HFD decreases. Under future scenarios, KGZ exhibits the most significant trend of staying away from flood-prone areas, while TJK presents the opposite trend, and TKM experiences minimal changes. Additionally, compared with urban areas, rural areas of Central Asia exhibit a trend towards approaching floods. This study underscores the optimum nature of human flood adaptation when the HFD reaches 4.23 km, showing the potential for substantial benefits by implementing population evacuation within this threshold buffer zone. These insights highlight the complex interplay between human behaviours and floods and can inform the formulation of effective flood risk mitigation strategies.

National Legislations on Air Quality Protection and Penalties for Atmospheric Air Pollution in Central Asia

Air pollution poses severe risks to public health and the environment, with acts contributing to air contamination potentially constituting environmental crimes or public health offenses. This research examines the national legislations and international legal frameworks aimed at safeguarding atmospheric air quality and addressing air pollution-related offenses in Central Asian countries. Particular attention is given to legal provisions that establish emission standards, monitoring mechanisms, and punitive measures for violations. By exploring the genesis and implementation of these legal instruments, the research identifies potential gaps, inconsistencies, or weaknesses that may hinder the effective prosecution of environmental crimes associated with air pollution in the Central Asian region. This study contributes to the broader understanding of environmental criminology by examining the interplay between international norms, national legislations, and institutional structures in combating air pollution-related offenses.

Evaluation of telemedicine medical abortion using a no-test protocol in the Eastern Europe and Central Asian region: Evidence from Ukraine, Uzbekistan, and Azerbaijan.

To evaluate safety, feasibility, and acceptability of a telemedicine medical abortion service without pre-treatment in-person tests in Ukraine, Uzbekistan, and Azerbaijan. We conducted an open-label, prospective, observational clinical study at five clinics in the three countries. Interested and eligible participants scheduled a telemedicine consultation with a study provider by phone or video. Medical abortion pills could be obtained by mail or courier or picked up at the study clinic or a pharmacy. Study providers contacted participants 1 week after mifepristone ingestion to assess abortion outcomes based on symptoms, and 3 weeks later to review the result of an at-home, high-sensitivity, urine pregnancy test. Participants were referred to in-person visit based on symptoms, urine pregnancy test results, or initiative by the participant. In all, 300 women participated in the study. Almost all participants received medical abortion medications the same day as their first contact with the study clinic, and the majority (n = 297, 99.0%) did not experience any problems receiving them. All except two women (0.67%) followed provider instructions on administration of medications. The majority of participants had a complete abortion without a procedure (Ukraine: n = 115, 95.8%; Uzbekistan: n = 127, 97.7%; Azerbaijan: n = 49, 98.0%), few had in-person visits (Ukraine: n = 30, 25.0%; Uzbekistan: n = 3, 2.3%; Azerbaijan: n = 4, 8.0%), and most were very satisfied or satisfied with the service (Ukraine: n = 116, 96%; Uzbekistan: n = 128, 98%; Azerbaijan: n = 45, 90%). No serious adverse events occurred. Telemedicine medical abortion using the no-test protocol is safe, feasible and acceptable for women in Ukraine, Uzbekistan, and Azerbaijan.

Adaptation to climate change in the mountain regions of Central Asia: A systematic literature review

AbstractThe mountains of Central Asia support many environmental functions and ecosystem services. The mountain environments and their services are affected by climate change and climate change adaptation (CCA) actions are required to increase resilience of regional communities. This paper is a systematic review of the English and Russian‐language literature published between 2013 (IPCC AR5) and May 2021 (IPCC AR6) focusing on CCA in the Central Asian mountains. In all, 52 publications have been reviewed. Criteria defining incremental and transformative adaptation were established and the reviewed studies were assigned to one of these approaches. The relatively low number of publications shows that the extent of CCA knowledge represented in academic literature is limited in comparison to other mountainous regions. There is a disparity between the growing body of publications addressing climate change and limited and decreasing number of academic publications focusing on adaptation in the region. Only 11 publications reported transformative adaptation actions. Most of the reviewed papers (55%) focus on water resources and future water availability; 15% focus on land degradation, 10% on changes in vertical zonation of plant species, 7% on loss of plant species, 3% on impacts of hazardous events, and 10% on multiple impacts of climate change. The awareness of the importance of CCA among the regional actors should be improved through closer collaboration between researchers, international organizations focusing on sustainable development and adaptation which have recently become more active in the region, practitioners, and local communities and co‐production of knowledge on the development and implementation of CCA.This article is categorized under: Trans‐Disciplinary Perspectives > Humanities and the Creative Arts Trans‐Disciplinary Perspectives > Humanities and the Creative Arts Vulnerability and Adaptation to Climate Change > Institutions for Adaptation Assessing Impacts of Climate Change > Observed Impacts of Climate Change

Traditional Chinese medicine as a tool for improving China’s image: The role of socio-political factors

The purpose of the study was to analyse the factors of influence of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) on improving the image of China in the international arena at the present stage of historical development. The methodological base of the study is built on the basis of an integrated approach with a combination of theoretical and empirical methods of cognition such as historical, comparative, system, statistical data analysis. Within the framework of the study, the main stages and features of the development of TCM, which has a thousand-year history, are considered, its basic principles and methods of therapy are formulated. In addition, the territory of distribution of TCM is determined, and the countries where it is most common are identified. Namely, the approximate number of TCM doctors and departments in medical institutions of the Republic of Kazakhstan is considered. Special attention is paid to determining the place of China in the modern international arena in the context of implementing the policy of “soft power”, considering the role of the Investment Project “One Belt, One Road” in improving the image of the state in the international arena, assessing the importance of TCM in the process of becoming a country as one of the world hegemons against the background of the coronavirus pandemic, and analysing the contribution of TCM to the preservation of human health and world culture. In particular, it is proved that although Chinese medicine differs from Western medicine in its global, comprehensive approach to treatment, its therapeutic techniques are increasingly being introduced into the healthcare system of Western states and other countries of the world, including the Central Asian region

Key forecasts and prospects for green transition in the region of Central Asia beyond 2022

BackgroundThe transition to energy-sustainable systems is a globally accepted concept, but it is implemented with various degrees of success around the world. The aim of this paper is to determine the status of green transition in five Central Asian countries (Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, and the Kyrgyz Republic) that are among the highest energy consumers globally and the most vulnerable to climate change. Despite a notable improvement in living conditions across all countries over the past two decades, the region remains underdeveloped. Economic growth is based on the export of natural resources and remittance inflows, but the structure of the economy is monolithic.Main findingsUpon analysing transition indicators for the period 2000–2020, no evidence of significant changes towards a sustainable energy transition is found. All countries in the region (except Uzbekistan) have recorded an increase in carbon emissions, while the carbon intensity of the energy mix is almost the same. While there has been visible progress in reducing energy intensity, the countries in the region remain among the most energy-intensive economies. Despite the region’s substantial potential for renewable energy production, it remains underutilized.ConclusionsA multitude of varied problems accompanies the green transition in Central Asian countries. The energy market that has not yet been liberalised, along with significant subsidies and low energy tariffs, discourages investments in renewable energy sources and energy efficiency initiatives. A high level of corruption, rigid legislative and institutional infrastructure, and insufficient capital are additional factors that determine the speed, scope, and effectiveness of the green transition. Thus far, the primary focus in these countries has been on ensuring energy security. However, there has been a discernible surge in investments (particularly from China) in renewable energy projects. Although energy efficiency and climate change issues are formally defined, the energy transition goals are often declarative without an action plan that provides concrete steps in transition process. Strategic planing of economic development that includes all related sectors (not only the energy sector) and paying attention to socio-economic and environmental indicators of sustainable development are prerequisites for successfully implementating the energy transition in these countries.

Reporting of Progress toward Eliminating Viral Hepatitis B and C in the Central Asian Region

Eliminating viral hepatitis became a global goal and was targeted by countries worldwide. Using WHO, Google Scholar, PubMed, and other databases, the progress of Central Asian countries (Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan) in ending viral hepatitis B and C by 2030 was evaluated and reported. Collected data shows that countries have made significant efforts toward achieving goals in the Global Health Sector Strategy. All countries have national programs focused on hepatitis elimination and have reached the target vaccination coverage against hepatitis B. However, the available information requires regular updates, and public accessibility of data collected by governments should be enhanced. Additionally, countries are recommended to improve harm reduction and treatment services.

Assessing landslide damming susceptibility in Central Asia

Abstract. Central Asia regions are characterized by active tectonics, high mountain chains with extreme topography with glaciers, and strong seasonal rainfall events. These key predisposing factors make large landslides a serious natural threat in the area, causing several casualties every year. The mountain crests are divided by wide lenticular or narrow, linear intermountain tectonic depressions, which are incised by many of the most important Central Asia rivers and are also subject to major seasonal river flood hazard. This multi-hazard combination is a source of potential damming scenarios, which can bring cascading effects with devastating consequences for the surrounding settlements and population. Different hazards can only be managed with a multi-hazard approach coherent within the different countries, as suggested by the requirements of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction. This work was carried out within the framework of the Strengthening Financial Resilience and Accelerating Risk Reduction in Central Asia (SFRARR) project as part of a multi-hazard approach with the aim of providing a damming susceptibility analysis at a regional scale for Central Asia. To achieve this, a semi-automated GIS-based mapping method, centered on a bivariate correlation of morphometric parameters defined by a morphological index, originally designed to assess the damming susceptibility at basin/regional scale, was modified to be adopted nationwide and applied to spatially assess the obstruction of the river network in Central Asia for mapped and newly formed landslides. The proposed methodology represents an improvement to the previously designed methodology, requiring a smaller amount of data, bringing new preliminary information on damming hazard management and risk reduction, and identifying the most critical area within the Central Asia regions.

TURKIC SOURCES ABOUT THE PROTECTORATE OF THE OTTOMAN EMPIRE IN KASHGARIA (SECOND HALF OF THE 19TH CENTURY)

The article, based on information from the works of East Turkestan historians, examines the relationship of the Ottoman Empire with the state of Yakup Beg, which arose in Kashgaria in the second half of the 19th century. The purpose of the study is to conduct an in-depth study and conduct a source study, textual analysis of information from East Turkistan historians, which contain important and valuable information about the connections of the Ottoman Empire with Kashgaria and its neighbouring regions of Central Asia (Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, etc.). The study is based on conclusions formed during a comparative analysis of information from Turkic written sources with archival materials and data from unique scientific literature. In the course of preparing the article, to determine the completeness and reliability of the information provided, comparative-contrastive, comparative-historical and problem-chronological methods, methods of analysis, collection, and synthesis of information were also used. This technique was used to compare essential documents on the records management of the Ottoman and Russian Empires of the period under study, stored in the archives and funds of various countries, with information from local East Turkestan historians. It should be noted that relations between the two states developed in the context of the “Great Game” policy of the great powers towards Central Asia. The works of local East Turkestan historians provide extensive information on events related to the relationship between the Zhetyshar state (the state of Yakup-bek) and the Ottoman Sultanate. The authors describe these events with tremendous verve and enthusiasm. The unity of the Turkic-speaking peoples, who for centuries nourished each other with great faith and hope, is reflected in the works of historians.

Exploring scale-free networks: Survey on autonomous system dynamics and connectivity analysis

The global Internet is continuously developing; however, it is becoming more complex with time owing to the introduction of new nodes and links among autonomous systems (ASes). The network links among ASes appear and disappear, especially when the shortest path is required or a low-cost upstream Internet service provider (ISP) is a prerequisite. Understanding the Internet dynamics is critical for improving Internet characteristic analysis. In this work, we reviewed the existing studies from the last two decades on AS network topology as well as relations and routing among ASes. Similarly, we measured the link value differences within Russia and Central Asian ASes using the Barabasi–Albert (BA) model. Our analysis results show that in the last two years, the number of newly added links among 5377 ASes is 65,782. Further, the results show that the ASes with a high network degree in terms of high connectivity or preferential attachment approach are those used by the largest telecom companies in Russia and Central Asian regions. This survey paper aimed to determine whether the Internet AS graphs in these regions adhere to scale-free network properties, and we further examined the growth patterns of node connectivity within these regions.

India and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization: In search of a middle ground

AbstractThe Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit (2023) in virtual format only exposed the growing disconnect between India and the members of this multilateral framework. Given the precarious state of India's relations with its immediate neighbors, China and Pakistan, and the growing camaraderie between Beijing and Moscow, this article examines the reasons behind New Delhi's continued need to engage with this multilateral framework. While India seeks to use the SCO as a “bridge” to improve its ties with Central Asian nations and act as a “check and balance” within the organization, Beijing's ascendancy as the “primary” external actor in the Af‐Pak and Central Asia region has meant that India's ability to gain advantages from its association with the SCO will be severely limited. As the protracted war in Ukraine continues unabated, India's attempts to find a “middle ground” between competing interests and principles will be put to the test.

INCREASED INTAKE OF TABLE SALT AS A RISK FACTOR FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF ARTERIAL HYPERTENSION

Objective: to study association of high table salt intake with hypertension among hypertensive patients of Aral Sea region of Uzbekistan. Design and method: The results of screening of the population over 40 years of age (total 2430 respondents) in family clinics of the region were analyzed, according to the modified (for the region of Central Asia and Transcaucasia) PEN WHO protocol. From the total number of respondents, individuals with high blood pressure (BP) 140/90 mm Hg or more were selected. Taking into account the Aral Sea region, characterized by an unfavorable climate and salinity of soil and water, all subjects were tested according to the method of R. Henkin to determine the threshold of taste sensitivity to table salt. Results: The 2019 STEPS Uzbekistan study shows that more than a third (36.6%) of residents always or often add or directly during meals and more than a third (36.2%) always or often eat processed foods high in salt. Hypertensive patients in the Aral region were characterized by a pronounced prevalence of a high threshold of taste sensitivity to table salt: in the general group - 85.6%, women 83.7%, men 88.7%, which on average required more than 0.32% NaCl concentration to assess the threshold. At the same time, there was a noticeable direct correlation between hemodynamic parameters – systolic and diastolic BP, mean BP and NaCl concentration in the test for determining the taste sensitivity to table salt threshold (r = 0.646; r = 0.610; r = 0.645, respectively). A survey on proper nutrition, according to the PEN protocol, also showed that 68% of those surveyed added salt to their food and/or consumed saltiness in their diet, with a slight difference between women and men: women 61.2%, men 72.6%, which is significantly more similar indicators identified. Conclusions: As our results showed, among patients with hypertension in the Aral region, high consumption of table salt prevails, which is confirmed by a high threshold of taste sensitivity to NaCl. A correlation was revealed between a high threshold of taste sensitivity to table salt and blood pressure in hypertensive patients.

Role of supranational bodies in regulating water cooperation: Central Asian experience

AbstractGrowing environmental problems in recent decades have made the water issue one of the most important agenda items in relations between the countries of the Central Asian (CA) region. Because water is a strategic resource and, at the same time, the foundation of social and economic development in CA, it is possible to assume that the settlement of water allocation problems will become a driving force for the development of regional interaction. The study aims to analyze the importance of supranational bodies in regulating water cooperation between the states of the CA region. The methodological basis of the study was built based on a combination of such theoretical methods of cognition as historical, structural‐functional, forecasting, and political and legal analysis, as well as an institutional approach. The main study results consist of assessing the efficiency of water resources use in the CA region, formulating areas of cooperation between the states in this sector after independence and up to the present, analyzing the role of functioning and under‐construction hydropower facilities in stimulating the resolution of water and energy challenges, and formulating initiatives of the countries of the region in solving existing water problems. In addition, it identified points of convergence in transboundary water use, analyzed steps to further deepen cooperation in water allocation among CA countries, and assessed the activities of supranational bodies in regulating water cooperation. The work can be applied in research and applied areas: It can be useful for scientists whose interests include water management issues in the CA region, as well as for government officials in the CA countries who implement policies in this area.

A Long-Duration Glacier Change Analysis for the Urumqi River Valley, a Representative Region of Central Asia

The increasing global warming trend has resulted in the mass loss of most glaciers. The Urumqi Vally, located in the dry and cold zone of China, and its widely dispersed glaciers are significant to the regional ecological environment, oasis economic development, and industrial and agricultural production. This is representative of glaciers in Middle Asia and represents one of the world’s longest observed time series of glaciers, beginning in 1959. The Urumqi Headwater Glacier No. 1 (UHG-1) has a dominant presence in the World Glacier Monitoring Service (WGMS). This paper supplies a comprehensive analysis of past studies and future modeling of glacier changes in the Urumqi Valley. It has received insufficient attention in the past, and the mass balance of UHG-1 was used to verify that the geodetic results and the OGGM model simulation results are convincing. The main conclusions are: The area of 48.68 ± 4.59 km2 delineated by 150 glaciers in 1958 decreased to 21.61 ± 0.27 km2 delineated by 108 glaciers in 2022, with a reduction of 0.47 ± 0.04 km2·a−1 (0.96% a−1 in 1958–2022). The glacier mass balance by geodesy is −0.69 ± 0.11 m w.e.a−1 in 2000–2022, which is just deviating from the measured result (−0.66 m w.e.a−1), but the geodetic result in this paper can be enough to reflect the glacier changes (−0.65 ± 0.11 m w.e.a−1) of the URB in 2000–2022. The future loss rate of area and volume will undergo a rapid and then decelerating process, with the fastest and slowest inflection points occurring around 2035 and 2070, respectively. High temperatures and large precipitation in summer accelerate glacier loss, and the corresponding lag period of glacier change to climate is about 2–3 years.

Divisibility and Indivisibility of Security

In theory and political rhetoric, the concept/principle of indivisibility of security is widely discussed and politically articulated. It is also often documented in international diplomatic relations. However, more often than not, it is taken for granted as undeniable and desirable foundation of peace, stability and security of countries and regions, perhaps due to its obvious pacifist connotation. This can, however, lead to some terminological confusion and political illusion. Moreover, such an attractive pacifist principle can be ascribed not only to certain regions or continents but also to the whole system of international security which is in fact deeply divided on various criteria. The region of Central Asia represents by itself an interesting and important laboratory for testing this principle of indivisibility of security. The study of security problematique for five states of the region – Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan – became an academic and political challenge. This paper sets the purpose of critically analyzing the concept of divisibility/indivisibility of security as applied to Central Asia – the region which is located at the epicenter of geopolitical turbulence unfolding in the Eurasian continent.

Effects of land utilization transformation on ecosystem services in urban agglomeration on the northern slope of the Tianshan Mountains, China

Land utilization transformation (LUT) is a key factor affecting ecosystem services (ESs). The urban agglomeration on the Northern Slope of the Tianshan Mountains (UATM) is located in a typical arid region with extremely fragile ecological environment. However, the impact of LUT on the spatial pattern of ESs in the region over the past 20 years is not clear. This study aimed to explore LUT characteristics of the urban agglomeration on the UATM using a land transfer matrix, information entropy, land utilization intensity, and land utilization dynamic degree. Various ESs indexes were quantitatively measured using the Integrated Valuation of Ecosystem Services and Trade-offs (InVEST) model, and the effect of LUT on ESs was revealed through a geographic detector and spatial auto-correlation analyses. The results of this study led to the following conclusions: First, between 2000 and 2020, the primary land utilization types in UATM were arable land, grassland, and bare land, with significant cross-transformations occurring among these types. Meanwhile, LUT showed marked differences among different regions. LUT changed rapidly and significantly in the central region; in contrast, slower and slight changes were observed in the northern and southern regions. Second, during the research period, habitat maintenance, water yield and carbon sequestration decreased, and the soil retention function increased. The accelerated urban development in the second decade led to more rapid changes in ESs. Finally, both the structure and intensity of land utilization showed the strongest explanatory capability for changes in ESs. Different dimensions of LUT showed significant interactions with ESs. Therefore, it is advisable to guide LUT scientifically, promote vegetation restoration projects, alleviate the impacts of human activities and climate change on ESs, and enhance the ecological safety and environmental sustainability of UATM and even arid regions in Central Asia.

Trade openness, human capital, natural resource, and carbon emission nexus: a CS-ARDL assessment for Central Asian economies.

There is a call for global efforts to preserve the ecological systems that can sustain economies and people's lives. However, carbon emission (CEM) threatens the sustainability of humanity and ecological systems. This analysis looked into the influence of energy use (ERU), human capital (HCI), trade openness (TOP), natural resource (NRR), population, and economic growth (ENG) on CEM. The paper gathered panel data from the Central Asia region from 1990 to 2020. The CS-ARDL was applied to establish the long-term interaction among the indicators. The paper's findings indicated the presence of the environmental Kuznets curve (EKC) in the Central Asia regions. Also, the empirical evidence highlighted that energy use, natural resources, and trade openness cause higher levels of CEM. However, the research verified that CEM can be improved through human capital and urban population growth. The study also found that HCI moderates the interaction between NRR and CEM. The causality assessment indicated a one-way interplay between ENG, ERU, NRR, and CEM. The study proposes that to support ecological stability in these regions, policy-makers should concentrate on developing human capital, investing in renewable energy sources, and utilizing contemporary technologies to harness natural resources in the economies of Central Asia.

Comparative Assessment of the Mountainous River Basin in Kyrgyz-Kazakh Region of Central Asia with River Basins in Australia, Canada and USA

Central Asia is among the most heavily affected regions worldwide by climate change and water shortages. Impacts include changes in precipitation patterns, more frequent temperature extremes and increased aridity causing a negative impact on agricultural production, food availability, and environmental security. To combat this threat, it is important to enhance information literacy among all water users. This can be done through awareness campaigns, blended learning by providing the proper Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programs and utilizing all available facilities. This will address relevant issues, such as miscommunication, complexities of transboundary water sharing issues, overexploitation of water resources, and poor flood-drought mitigation techniques. Proper and user-friendly lifelong blended learning for scientific information dissemination focusing water issues can provide stronger support to increase awareness among water users and decision policy makers. Worldwide, especially in North America and Australia, information literacy campaigns have proven successful. This strategy can be replicated in the Mountainous Kyrgyz-Kazakh Chu-Talas transboundary river basin. The issues concerning the Mountainous Kyrgyz-Kazakh Chu-Talas transboundary river basin is elaborated and compared with Australian, Canadian, and US river basin management programs. The foresight analysis is presented, as to what would be a rationale to improve water resources more sustainably in Central Asia. Methodologies, programs, technologies, communities-based river basin committees, snow-water collection with agroforestry, and basin-based water market opportunities were analyzed to assess potential applications in Central Asia region.

The Predicament of Security: Tracing Two Years of Taliban Rule

The paper is an overall assessment of the security situation in Afghanistan that includes both traditional and non-traditional aspects. The paper highlights the deteriorating internal security that is bolstering Pashtunisation in Afghanistan and causing the forced displacement of non-Pashtuns. The implication of this grim development in India’s neighbourhood has severely impacted the peace and security of the Central Asian Region, Russia, China, Iran, India and Pakistan. The victory of the Taliban has resuscitated myriad terrorist groups who want to establish Islamic Caliphate in neighbouring countries, therefore leading to the gradual Talibanisation of the Asian region. The paper also delves into how the departure of foreign forces has created a power vacuum in Afghanistan that has led to the revival of a New Great Game with the addition of regional actors.