CACI FORUM
Central Asia and the Caucasus:
From Independence to Interdependence
Presentations by Spring 2016 Rumsfeld Fellows
Wednesday, 27 April, 2016, from 5 to 7 p.m.
(reception at 5 p.m., followed by the main program at 5:30)
The fall of the USSR enabled peoples of Central Asia and the Caucasus (Greater Central Asia) to claim full independence and sovereignty. While bringing many obvious benefits, the strengthening of new sovereignties has also brought self-isolation and rivalry among peoples who had actively interacted for hundreds of years before the Russian conquest. The resulting isolationism has created needless tensions in the region, deepened poverty, and fostered religious radicalization. Meanwhile, geographic proximity, interdependent infrastructure, and the presence of Russian media have maintained ties with Russia and rendered them appealing to many.
Is it time to shift from the radical independence to intra-regional dialogue and economic integration within the region? And for the region as a whole to capitalize on its strategic location, cultural diversity, and human capital?
Twelve participants of the Spring 2016 Rumsfeld Fellowship Program, representing nine countries of Central Asia and the Caucasus, will share their answers to these questions.
A video recording of the event may now be viewed on the SAIS Events YouTube channel.
Speakers:
Mr. Ozodkhon Davlatshoev (Tajikistan)
Mr. Nemuun Gal (Mongolia)
Mr. Emil Gasimli (Azerbaijan)
Mr. Sulkhan Glonti (Georgia)
Ms. Raykhona Khashimova (Uzbekistan)
Ms. Eliza Nishanbaeva (Kyrgyzstan)
Mr. Mahmood Noorzai (Afghanistan)
Mr. Rakhim Oshakbayev (Kazakhstan)
Ms. Lilit Petrosyan (Armenia)
Mr. Ruslan Ramanov (Uzbekistan)
Mr. Narantuguldur Saijrakh (Mongolia)
Mr. Barry Salaam (Afghanistan)
Moderator: S. Frederick Starr, Chairman, Central Asia-Caucasus Institute
CACI Forum
Wednesday, Apr. 20, 2016, from 5 to 7 p.m.
(reception at 5 p.m. with Georgian wine, followed by the main program at 5:30)
New universities are rising cross Central Asia, Afghanistan, and the Caucasus, bringing innovations and jump-starting stalled processes of reform in higher education. This forum will focus on a number of these new initiatives, with authoritative presenters on several countries.
A recorded version of this event is available on the SAIS Events channel on YouTube:
Speakers:
S. Frederick Starr, Chairman, Central Asia-Caucasus Institute, JHU-SAIS
Shigeo Katsu, President, Nazarbayev University, Astana, Kazakhstan
Leslie Schweitzer, First Vice Chairman, Board of Trustees, American University of Afghanistan
Ellen Hurwitz, President Emerita, American University Central Asia (The Kyrgyz Republic)
Moderator: Mamuka Tsereteli, Research Director, Central Asia-Caucasus Institute
Rome Building Auditorium
SAIS - Johns Hopkins University
1619 Massachusetts Ave., NW
Washington, DC 20036
Click here to RSVP and register
CACI Forum
Finally, a Caspian Opening to the East: Baku's New Port to India and China
Wednesday, Dec. 9, 2015, from 5 to 7 p.m.
(reception at 5 p.m. with Georgian wine, followed by the main program at 5:30)
SPEAKERS:
CEO, Baku International Sea Trade Port CJSC
Brenda Shaffer
Visiting Professor, Georgetown University
Kaush Arha
Vice Chairman ICCF Group
Former Senior Advisor Transition - US Embassy Kabul
MODERATOR: S. Frederick Starr, Chairman, Central Asia-Caucasus Institute
Rome Building Auditorium
SAIS - Johns Hopkins University
1619 Massachusetts Ave., NW
Washington, DC 20036
Click here to RSVP and register
By Niklas L.P. Swanström, Svante E. Cornell