Follow the Times of Central Asia’s special coverage on the C5+1 summit to explore how Washington’s focus on critical minerals, energy security, and infrastructure deals could reshape regional partnerships, influence, and the strategic balance in Central Asia.

Kazakhstan is positioning itself as a global hub for critical minerals and green energy, attracting investment through reforms, infrastructure development, and strategic partnerships. With strong U.S. and international ties, it is driving industrial diversification and a

The upcoming C5+1 summit in Washington marks a turning point for US and Central Asia ties. A decade after the platform’s launch, focus shifts from declarations to deliverables as minerals, trade and energy partnerships redefine regional relations. Stephen M. Bland

Kazakhstan is fast emerging as Central Asia’s digital hub, expanding U.S. ties beyond energy into AI, fintech, and digital governance. Landmark investments, AI laws, and U.S. partnerships position the country as a regional model for technological innovation.

Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s Washington visit secured $17 billion in U.S. deals across energy, aviation, and minerals. Meeting Trump and key officials, he advanced ties as Trump hinted at a possible visit to Kazakhstan. timesca.com/tokayev-secure…

Kazakhstan will join the Abraham Accords, becoming the first Central Asian nation to do so. The move deepens ties with the U.S. and Israel, signaling Astana’s role as a bridge for peace and regional cooperation. timesca.com/kazakhstan-to-…

Excited to announce that my book, Farewell to Russia, exploring the fate of the 15 former Soviet Republics since independence, will be published by Elliott & Thompson next March!

The Washington C5+1 summit marked a shift from diplomacy to action, as the U.S. and Central Asian leaders launched $25 billion in aviation and minerals deals, focusing on practical cooperation and more diversified supply chains. Read more in our latest from Robert M. Cutler.

Kazakhstan’s decision to join the Abraham Accords marks a strategic step, balancing ties between Russia, China, and the U.S. The move extends the Accords into Central Asia, reflecting Astana’s multi-vector diplomacy and rising global relevance. timesca.com/opinion-kazakh…

Interesting

My latest.

Central Asia (Turkic States) continues to cooperate, innovate and grow. There's a new model of governance emerging. What shall we call it?

In our latest from Joe Luc Barnes read how Kazakhstan’s homegrown AI ecosystem is taking shape as young researchers develop models like KazLLM, Oylan and Qolda to build technology made in and for Kazakhstan while boosting digital independence. timesca.com/made-in-kazakh…

Tokayev’s visit to Moscow underscores Kazakhstan’s balancing act between loyalty and strategy. By elevating ties to a “comprehensive strategic partnership,” he reaffirms friendship with Russia while quietly positioning Astana as a neutral hub for global diplomacy.

Tokayev continues the Nazarbayev tradition of a multi vector approach given Kazakhstan’s position as a #keystone state.

Read our latest interview with Kazakhstan’s Education Minister Sayasat Nurbek , who outlines plans to make Kazakhstan a regional education hub through U.S. partnerships, AI innovation, and ethics-driven digital reforms rooted in human dignity. timesca.com/universities-j…

Our Stephen M. Bland writes about Kazakhstan and Russia elevating their ties to a “Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and Alliance,” reinforcing cooperation in energy, trade, and technology while advancing Astana’s multi-vector diplomacy. timesca.com/kazakhstan-rus…

Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev capped 2025 with major visits to Washington and Moscow, emerging as a key regional powerbroker. His balanced diplomacy between Trump and Putin positions Kazakhstan as a rare, trusted intermediary in global affairs. timesca.com/between-trump-…

Uzbekistan strengthens its partnership with the United States through a new Investment Council and AI collaboration with NVIDIA. The initiatives aim to expand trade, attract U.S. investment, and accelerate the country’s digital transformation. timesca.com/uzbekistan-dee…