Out of the Shadows and Into the Sun: The (Re)-Emergence of Central Asia

From the "Great Game" of the 19th century to the NATO war in Afghanistan, Central Asia has periodically been at the center of geopolitics. But more often, it has faded into the geopolitical shadows, as other regions and other issues take precedence. The two years since Russia's invasion of Ukraine have seen the region again become a focal point of great power interaction, with Russia's influence falling as that of China, Turkey, and other powers rises. But Central Asia is more than just a playground for great powers - the countries of the region are increasingly asserting their own geopolitical identities and interests. Join host Bob Hamilton and experienced Central Asia hand Bruce Pannier as they discuss the region's re-emergence and its implications.