CIS
Putin hovers between Russian and 'Eurasian' aims
Kremlin planning has been shaped by contrasting visions of imperial restoration and Russian unity
RussiaEurasian union not in a strong position to help Russia
Although Moscow wants to energise the Eurasian Economic Union, the bloc is disjointed and trades more with other states
CISFormer Soviet states talk up 'Middle Corridor' route
A freight route via the Caucasus and Central Asia offers an alternative route from China to Europe
Central AsiaRussia curbs grain sales and considers ban
The government has a near-complete ban on grain sales ready but has not yet enacted it
RussiaRussia turns security bloc into agile policy tool
Moscow has exploited a crisis in Kazakhstan by acting resolutely but with restraint, creating a new foreign policy tool
RussiaKazakh leader firms up 'foreign terrorist' line
President Tokayev has told fellow post-Soviet leaders that Kazakhstan was targeted by an orchestrated coup plot
KazakhstanCentral Asia shows signs of wanting its own bloc
As Central Asian leaders held a rare meeting, Kazakhstan was represented by its former president, not the current one
Central AsiaCentral Asian states face high climate change risks
A fragile environment where dry steppes depend on mountain glaciers will be hard hit by rising temperatures
Central Asia
