THE CHANGING DYNAMICS OF STATE-CRIME RELATIONS IN KYRGYZSTAN
By Erica Marat (2/21/2008 issue of the CACI Analyst)
The new government appointed by Kyrgyz President Kurmanbek Bakiyev following controversial parliamentary elections in December 2007 is comprised of a small group of political leaders whose business interests largely interconnect. About 10-12 high-ranking officials in the president’s administration and ministerial cabinet determine the country’s entire economic policy and political climate. Meanwhile, unlike before, non-state organized criminal groups and their leaders are no longer able to significantly influence the political domain, thus marking a sizable shift in state-crime relations in the country.
THE ROGOZHIN APPOINTMENT: A SIGN OF CONFRONTATION OR COLLABORATION?
By Dmitry Shlapentokh (2/21/2008 issue of the CACI Analyst)
Dmitry Rogozhin, one of the most well-known Russian nationalists, was recently appointed Russia’s representative to NATO, a move understood in the West as an unfriendly act toward both NATO and the West in general. Rogozhin’s statement to Russia’s movement against illegal immigration before his departure, and his clear affiliation with the movement, indicate the attitude toward the West of at least a good segment of the Russian elite. It shows that the elite is clearly disappointed with the West’s approach to Russia.
ARMENIAN PRESIDENTIAL ELECTIONS DECIDED BY THE PAST?
By Blanka Hancilova and Olga Azatyan (2/6/2008 issue of the CACI Analyst)
In fall 2007, Armenia’s first post-Soviet president, Levon Ter-Petrosyan, entered the presidential race, upsetting a seemingly idyllic transfer of power from Robert Kocharyan to his long-time ally, Prime Minister Serzh Sargsyan. Although the campaign proved livelier than expected, Ter-Petrosyan has failed to consolidate the opposition and is unlikely to succeed in his challenge.
KAZAKHSTAN THREATENS OIL EXPORT DUTY FOLLOWING KASHAGAN SETTLEMENT
By Robert M. Cutler (2/6/2008 issue of the CACI Analyst)
Robert M. Cutler
Two weeks after successful renegotiation of Kazakhstan's participation in the Kashagan offshore project, the country's energy minister stated on January 29 that Kazakhstan may impose a duty on nearly half of all exports of crude and oil products beginning in 2009. The Italian company Eni will cease to be operator of the Kashagan consortium, but the Kazakhstan state company KazMunaiGaz will not gain that status, which it coveted.
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Staff Publications
Silk Road Paper S. Frederick Starr, Greater Central Asia as A Component of U.S. Global Strategy, October 2024.
Analysis Laura Linderman, "Rising Stakes in Tbilisi as Elections Approach," Civil Georgia, September 7, 2024.
Analysis Mamuka Tsereteli, "U.S. Black Sea Strategy: The Georgian Connection", CEPA, February 9, 2024.
Silk Road Paper Svante E. Cornell, ed., Türkiye's Return to Central Asia and the Caucasus, July 2024.
Book Svante E. Cornell, ed., "The Changing Geopolitics of Central Asia and the Caucasus" AFPC Press/Armin LEar, 2023.
Silk Road Paper Svante E. Cornell and S. Frederick Starr, Stepping up to the “Agency Challenge”: Central Asian Diplomacy in a Time of Troubles, July 2023.
Silk Road Paper S. Frederick Starr, U.S. Policy in Central Asia through Central Asian Eyes, May 2023.