The U.S.-brokered peace talks between Armenia and Azerbaijan, culminating in the creation of the Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity (TRIPP), have triggered a sharp strategic reaction from Iran. The 20-mile corridor through Zangezur grants Azerbaijan direct access to Nakhchivan under long-term U.S. management, reshaping regional connectivity and bypassing Iran. Tehran perceives the initiative as a U.S. encroachment on its northern frontier, eroding its leverage in the South Caucasus. The muted Russian response and Armenia’s growing openness to Western—and potentially Israeli—security ties deepen Iran’s unease, fueling fears of encirclement and diminishing its role as a key regional transit hub.
Armenia-Azerbaijan Peace: What is Iran Really Afraid of?
Ağustos 30th, 2025 
oztarsu The India-Armenia Partnership in a Shifting Caucasus
Ağustos 23rd, 2025 oztarsu 
Few would have imagined a decade ago that India and Armenia would one day stand as visible strategic partners. For years, their ties were cordial but peripheral, overshadowed by larger powers and deeper alliances. Armenia, scarred by its vulnerability in the South Caucasus, leaned almost exclusively on Russia for military protection. India, preoccupied with its neighborhood and its rivalry with Pakistan, had little reason to view Yerevan as more than a distant acquaintance. Today, as Armenia and Azerbaijan explore fragile steps toward peace, the debate turns to how India’s newly established role will adapt in a less conflict-driven context.
A Partner, not a Power: The EU’s Evolving Engagement with Central Asia
Nisan 12th, 2025 oztarsu 
The first EU–Central Asia Summit took place amid intensifying global competition, emphasizing the EU’s efforts to strengthen ties through connectivity, economic diversification and access to critical raw materials. Key regional concerns—including migration, sanctions circumvention, and infrastructure gaps—were also addressed. There is growing anticipation that the EU will adopt a more holistic and regionally attuned strategy, moving beyond great power rivalry to foster inclusive, long-term partnerships. Such an approach would bolster the EU’s credibility as a constructive and complementary actor in Central Asia’s evolving geopolitical landscape. Instead of competing against Russia and China, the EU can play more effective role as a reliable partner.
Central Asia is partnering with the world on its own terms
Aralık 29th, 2024 oztarsu 
Central Asia rose to global prominence in 2024, drawing notable interest from major European and Asian powers and intensifying Russian and Chinese competition for regional influence. The Central Asian states are no pawns in the power struggle between superpowers, increasingly asserting their autonomy and national interests. In 2025, Central Asia will need to strike a balance between promoting economic diversification, sustainable partnerships and autonomy and ensuring the region benefits from foreign investments and cooperation.
The Power of Names: Turkey’s Shift From Central Asia to Turkestan
Ekim 16th, 2024 oztarsu 
Turkey has decided to replace the term “Central Asia” with “Turkestan” in its national history curriculum. By using the term “Turkestan,” Turkey aims to realign itself with Central Asia while also evaluating the region from its own distinct geopolitical perspective.
Germany’s Reliable Partnership Challenge in Central Asia
Ekim 4th, 2024 oztarsu 
On September 17, 2024, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz participated in the second Germany-Central Asia Summit held in Kazakhstan. His three-day visit to the region commenced in Uzbekistan, followed by engagements in Kazakhstan, where he also held meetings with the leaders of Turkmenistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan. At present, Germany is confronted with the necessity of refining its regional policy to effectively respond to the evolving challenges in Central Asia. While it seeks to deepen its relations with the region, the specific approach it will adopt to address these challenges remains uncertain.
Financial Times recommends Oztarsu
Eylül 2nd, 2024 oztarsu 
Financial Times recommended Mehmet Fatih Oztarsu’s article on UK-Central Asia relations. The article, published by the Central Asia-Caucasus Institute – Silk Road Studies Program, garnered significant attention: “The UK has embarked on a quest to establish a new political framework aimed at enhancing its relations with Central Asia and countering regional rivals. In response to the Russia-Ukraine War and China’s expanding influence in the region, the UK has initiated a high-level strategy to redefine its approach to Central Asia. Nevertheless, there are concerns about the scale and scope of this effort. Even UK authorities are uncertain whether the current regional policies have the capacity to meet these new challenges.”
K-Silk Road: Korea Unveils New Strategy for Central Asia
Ağustos 10th, 2024 oztarsu 
President Yoon Suk Yeol of the Republic of Korea recently visited the Central Asian republics of Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan. Prior to his tour, he introduced the “K-Silk Road” initiative, highlighting his role in guiding Korea’s future interactions with the region. While this initiative builds upon Korea’s longstanding policies, it signifies a desire to forge a new chapter in Central Asian relations. Despite its shortcomings and some neglected areas, this initiative is a significant step forward in the context of regional relations.
The United States tells China to kick rocks in Central Asia
Ağustos 10th, 2024 oztarsu 
The United States is seeking to diversify its supply chain for critical minerals and reduce its dependence on China by establishing partnerships with Central Asian republics, though it anticipates various challenges. In particular, China’s restrictions on gallium and germanium exports and significant economic influence in the region raise concerns. The United States, which is aiming to secure a steady supply of essential minerals through a new strategy that may involve offering technology and undertaking critical projects that could strengthen its position in the region.
‘K-Silk Road’ puts Korea, Central Asia together
Haziran 27th, 2024 oztarsu 
During his recent visit to Central Asia, President Yoon Suk Yeol unveiled the “K-Silk Road” initiative, which included visits to Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. This strategic move aims to bolster Korea’s influence and presence in the region.
The K-Silk Road initiative seeks to merge Korea’s technological prowess with the abundant resources of Central Asia. Beyond fostering economic ties, a key focus of the initiative is the exploration and development of critical minerals in the region. To further these goals, plans are underway for an upcoming Korea-Central Asia Summit, which will be pivotal in advancing these strategic partnerships.