Although there are some indications of potential changes to foreign and economic policy, there is little doubt that the new Uzbek leader will continue the tradition of his predecessor and preserve the authoritarian political system, writes Saif Islam.
Lack of political will on both sides of the negotiating table continues to undermine efforts to resolve the war in eastern Ukraine. Unless Ukraine, Russia and pro-Russian separatists can reach a compromise, rebel-held territories look set to become another “frozen conflict” zone in the former Soviet Union, writes Saif Islam. This article was originally published in the Daily Maverick: https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2016-10-26-s-rm-new-talks-on-ukraine-bring-little-hope-for-peace/#.WFvnaFN96Uk…
Saif Islam discusses the prevalence of corruption and extortion in Russiaand Ukraine amid the regional economic contraction, which had a negativeimpact on investor confidence in 2015.
The economic slowdown hasresulted in protests in Russia, Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan, which are likelyto increase the risk of wrongful detention in 2016 as authorities try to clampdown on dissent, writes Saif Islam.
The resurgence of Taliban militancy increases the risk of skirmishes along Central Asia's southern border. Although the prospect of major instability has been exaggerated, there are long-term security implications for Central Asia, writes Saif Islam.
The Islamic State's threat to Central Asian countries has been exaggerated. However, it should not be dismissed, writes Saif Islam.
The emergence of Islamic State has had limited impact on Russia so far, but the militant threat should not be ignored, writes Saif Islam.
Kristen Blyth assesses the new wave of privatisations in the Russia economy and explores the likely impact.
At the start of 2016, Russian President Vladimir Putin had reasons to be pessimistic about how the year was going to progress. As the year's end approaches, his and Russia's position on the international scene has improved considerably, thanks to several favourable developments, writes Saif Islam.
While Vladimir Putin may welcome the opportunity to play off two major world powers, he will worry about Russia's interests, writes Saif Islam.
Saif Islam assesses the factors that could reignite the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan in 2017.
Saif Islam assesses the stumbling blocks to a peaceful resolution to the war in eastern Ukraine.