CIS

With regional economies slowing, SWFs will become increasingly vital fiscal stop gaps

Arms sales provide strategic depth both to the United States and Russia, raising the stakes for entering new markets

Transnistria will remain largely stable for now but will pose increasing security threat to Odesa

SCO will play an enhanced role in ensuring Central Asian security but will not want to intervene in Afghanistan

Caspian will remain a highly important strategic region that will become increasingly militarised

Efforts to lower costs from private satellite launchers may give the United States an edge in space

As the Ukraine crisis dampens the regional outlook, Russia's economy will deteriorate further due to sanctions

Control by elites in Central Asia will continue which will hinder FDI and development of civil society