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on Central and Western Asia |
| By: | Woo, Hyeyoung |
| Abstract: | Central Asia has emerged as a key region where the convergence of geopolitics and development cooperation is most visible. Major powers are redefining their approaches: Japan combines official development assistance (ODA) with commercial partnerships to advance connectivity and reform; the EU is emphasising a sustainable infrastructure and governance-oriented approach; the US is expected to catalyse private investment rather than direct aid; China deepens its regional presence through the Belt and Road Initiative; while Russia leverages historical and security ties to maintain influence. Meanwhile, middle powers - countries that do not wield vast influence like major powers but possess substantial capacity to shape international events - are exploring new opportunities for engagement. Türkiye positions itself as a bridge between advanced economies and the Global South, emphasising connectivity and energy cooperation through the Middle Corridor and the Organization of Turkic States. South Korea's 2025 ODA Strategy for Central Asia identifies the region as a strategic partner for shared growth, integrating pragmatic diplomacy with value-based cooperation. By leveraging their soft power and policy experience, these middle powers offer a distinctive model for development partnership. Central Asian governments are responding to a changing international environment by diversifying partnerships through regional integration and more strategic engagement with development partners. |
| Keywords: | development cooperation, geopolitics, Central Asia, middle power, Korea, Türkiye |
| Date: | 2026 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:zbw:diedps:337448 |
| By: | Avetisyan, Artur |
| Abstract: | Energy-sector challenges have shaped international relations since early history, making energy a key component of geopolitics. Understanding current global and regional energy and economic trends is therefore essential. Armenia, like many European Union countries, faces significant challenges in ensuring energy and economic security. Given its geographic position and self-sufficiency in electricity generation, alongside its growing export potential, Armenia can play an important role in regional energy security and stability. The country also has strong potential in renewable energy and is a regional leader in new renewables, though this potential has not yet been fully realized. Unsettled relations with Turkey and Azerbaijan, as well as infrastructure constraints with Georgia and Iran, limit Armenia's opportunities. Nevertheless, improving ties with European and Asian partners enhance Armenia's strategic role along the North-South axis. This article examines new development trends, reassesses challenges and opportunities, and evaluates Armenia's potential to act as a regional bridge for energy and economic cooperation. |
| Keywords: | Energy security, sustainability, mutually beneficial cooperation, South Caucasus, critical infrastructures, the North-South International Project, the Black Sea Electricity Cable project |
| Date: | 2026 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:zbw:opodis:337459 |
| By: | Bobojonov, Ihtiyor; Kuhn, Lena; Eltazarov, Sarvarbek; Glauben, Thomas |
| Abstract: | The insurance market in Uzbekistan is characterized by its heavy focus of risk management on strategic crops like cotton and wheat and the very close coupling of insurance with agricultural loans. The majority of farmers who received a subsidized production credit from the agricultural bank Uzagrobank are insuring their crops to become eligible for the said credits, which are mainly provided by the state agricultural insurance company Uzagrosugurta. While the importance of this credit-bundled insurance product is undisputed, this close loan bundling has led to a condition where, to date, most Uzbek farmers perceive the insurance product only as a condition for credit access rather than accepting it as a risk management strategy. Several policy reforms (e.g. presidential decrees and development strategies) aimed at improving the functionality of the insurance product beyond its credit collateral function and making it suitable to manage climate and irrigation risks. However, most of these reforms to date require large-scale transformations and come with high implementation cost and risk. In the scope of this policy brief, we provide policy recommendations towards a sustainable implementation of efficient financial climate-risk management in Uzbek agriculture based on several years of research and implementing activities of IAMO in Central Asia. |
| Date: | 2025 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:zbw:iamopb:337497 |