Recent Events
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Nuclear Power in Central Asia: The New “New Thing”?
The Central Asian states of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan are exploring the development of nuclear power. Last fall, Kazakhstan passed a controversial referendum to build a nuclear power plant. In 2024, both Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan signed memorandums of understanding with Rosatom to construct smaller plants. Despite the region’s ample hydrocarbons and hydroelectric resources, the Central
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Countering China’s Economic Might
China’s economic heft presents unique challenges that go well beyond traditional defense. According to the International Energy Agency, China’s investment in manufacturing has increased about 600% since 2005, and its share of value added in global manufacturing has almost tripled. As a result, China now generates one-third of global value added in manufacturing and has
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Center President Paul Saunders Speaks at Hanyang University
On November 29, Center president Paul Saunders spoke at the 3rd International Symposium of Hanyang University’s Institute for Energy and the Environment, where he discussed signposts in assessing the incoming Trump administration’s nuclear energy policy. Watch above or at the link here.
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Center President Paul Saunders Speaks at Japan Institute of International Affairs
On November 26, the Japan Institute of International Affairs (JIIA) in Tokyo held a forum on the direction of U.S. foreign policy under a second Trump administration. Topics included the Ukraine War, cross-strait relations, Japan-U.S. relations, and the nature of U.S. politics following the GOP’s trifecta of victories, having won the White House as well
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Report Launch | Afghanistan’s Qoshtepa Canal and Water Security in Central Asia
The Qoshtepa Canal project represents one of the most significant infrastructure undertakings in Afghanistan in decades, aiming to transform the country’s northern agricultural landscape. However, the project also raises pressing concerns about regional water security, potential cross-border conflicts, and environmental degradation. On December 5, the Center for the National Interest’s Central Asia Connectivity Project launched
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