Foreign ministers of the Baltic states and Germany warned on Thursday about a growing threat of Europe being divided into the north and the south and called for further integration, including closer cooperation on economic and fiscal policy. READ MORE

The Lower Chamber of Uzbekistan’s Parliament – the Oliy Majlis – approved the country’s own national security strategy, “The Concept Paper on the Foreign Policy Activity of Uzbekistan.” One of the essential elements in this articulated strategy is the position not to take part in any politico-military blocs (News.olam.uz, Mir24.tv, August 1). In light of Tashkent’s earlier decision to suspend its membership in the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) (see EDM, July 11, 18), Uzbekistan is sending a clear signal to the parties concerned that it is not going to restrict itself to an alignment with any single great power. It may also underline Tashkent’s long-term desire to eventually assume a regional leadership role in Central Asia. READ MORE

Today China holds 1/3rd of the world’s currency reserves. By 2030, the Chinese economy will surpass the United States, becoming the world’s largest market.  Between 2007 and 2012, the Chinese economy grew by close to 60 percent; emerging Asia as a whole by almost 50%. Over the same period, economies of high income countries have grown by a mere 3%. Clearly the world is undergoing profound changes. READ MORE

The U.S.'s top diplomat responsible for Central Asia just finished a trip to Uzbekistan, amid increasing speculation that the two countries are seeking to upgrade their relationship, in particular their military cooperation. READ MORE

On August 29 the world celebrates the International Day against nuclear testing. Exactly 20 years ago there was an event, which overturned the course of modern history - the largest nuclear test site – Semipalatinsk test site was closed. For the first time Kazakhstan, a nation possessing the world’s fourth largest nuclear capacity - abandoned it. August 29 should remind the world about the threat to the existence of mankind. READ MORE

Over the past decade, the South China Sea has become one of the most volatile flashpoints in East Asia. China, Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, Brunei and Taiwan each assert sovereignty over part or all of the sea, and these overlapping claims have led to diplomatic and even military standoffs in recent years. READ MORE

This testimony was originally given by The Hon. S Enders Wimbush, Senior Director of The German Marshall Fund of the United States, before the House Subcommittee on Europe and Eurasia on July 24th, 2012. READ MORE

In the end of this March the Minister of Foreign Affairs reported to the Sejm on the program “Priorities of Polish Foreign Policy for 2012-2016”. The list of the main principles, Warsaw is going to follow in its international activity, included a higher level integration into the bodies of the European Union, strengthening of Poland by determination of the common defense policy and accomplishment of the program “Eastern Partnership”, privileged relations with Germany. Among other specified priorities – the liability to maintain own line inside the EU in the number of decision-making countries, enhancement of common defense policy and partnership with the states of Eastern Europe. READ MORE

Probable reserves of "black gold" in the Kazakh sector of the Caspian Sea exceed 17 billion tons (124.3 billion barrels), the head of Kazakhstan's national oil and gas company "KazMunaiGas" Lazzat Kiinov. READ MORE

Until recently, a solution for the future of economic sustainability in Tajikistan was thought to be dependent on Rogun hydropower plant. However, future of the power plant is still challenged by Uzbekistan’s claim that it will reduce water in this country. The World Bank has not yet confirmed its support in the construction of the power plant. The Tajik government is looking for other investors to proceed with construction of Rogun. The project is crucial for the country where due to an energy deficit, population receives only 2-3 hours of electricity daily. READ MORE