Hollow Heartland: Regional Consequences of Russia’s Ukraine Invasion
Russia’s war in Ukraine is draining the resource-rich regions that sustain its economy, creating labor shortages that will be increasingly difficult to replace.
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Publications
The Organization of Turkic States’ Push into Green Finance and Digital Innovation
The Organization of Turkic States has expanded beyond its cultural foundations to address regional challenges through green finance, digital innovation, and artificial intelligence initiatives. Led by Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, the OTS established the Turkic Green Finance Council and proposed collaborative AI networks, responding to economic pressures from sanctions and oil price fluctuations.
From Rivalry to Recognition: The OTS’s Evolving Approach to Tajikistan
The Organization of Turkic States has evolved its approach toward Tajikistan, shifting from explicit support for Kyrgyzstan during border conflicts to more inclusive language. Early OTS statements emphasized brotherly solidarity with Kyrgyzstan while implicitly attributing blame to Tajikistan, prompting sharp criticism from Dushanbe. Following diplomatic progress culminating in the March 2025 Kyrgyz-Tajik border treaty, OTS rhetoric shifted significantly.
Russia’s Vanishing Workforce
The peripheral, energy-rich areas of Russia are bearing the brunt of the human and economic costs of the Ukraine War.