Beyond transactions to rebuilding trust with Central Asia
As global power dynamics shift, Central Asia’s strategic relevance is rising, – but so too is the need for a reset in engagement by international partners. Could a more principled,…
Articles, Briefings and Essays
The views expressed in the articles are those of each respective author and do not necessarily reflect the views or position of the Foreign Policy Centre.
Europe and Central Asia can benefit from changing migration patterns
High unemployment and limited economic opportunities in Central Asian countries have traditionally driven millions of people to migrate to Russia in search of work[1]. Where the region’s historical, cultural and…
How can we start conversations to shift colonial mindsets?
When speaking about Russian and Soviet colonialism, the first step is to agree on the terminology. Why do we continue to define the region by referencing that it ‘formerly’ belonged…
We must make the connection between diversity and peace
All societies are diverse, even if some people have got used to thinking that their country should be homogeneous, where everyone looks the same, speaks the same language, and follows…
How democracies can leverage Ukraine’s resistance for a global reset
Ukraine is not just a battlefield – it is democracy’s most critical frontline. It is misleading to treat war as a regional conflict – the spillover of Russian aggression beyond…
Geopolitical shifts: crisis or opportunity for democracy?
We are living through the biggest shift in geopolitical power since the Second World War, accelerated by Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine, China’s economic ascendency, and the US retreat…
Expert Briefing: ‘Central Europe at a time of European and transatlantic challenges’
As war, political instability, and democratic erosion continue to reshape Europe’s trajectory, experts recently gathered in Westminster to examine where Central Europe stands and where it may be heading.…
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What’s Behind Trump’s Upending of the Global Economy?
Yesterday, Donald Trump announced a shift towards protectionism, the likes of which the world has not seen since the Great Depression. For decades, global prosperity has been underpinned by…
Three years on: Resilience and leadership – John Smith Fellows shaping Ukraine’s future
Three years on from Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, John Smith Fellows are focusing on systemic change and are at the forefront of Ukraine’s democratic transformation and recovery. In…
Three years on: How the power of networking can contribute to a peaceful and democratic future
When Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine our immediate priority was to support Ukrainian John Smith Fellows in our network. This included amplifying their humanitarian work, showing solidarity and…