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

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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

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