Twenty-five years after the dissolution of the Soviet Union, Central Asia is a region of relative stability. There are, of course, security, economic, and social challenges, which give local leaders sleepless nights; however, the narrative shift – from a troublesome region to an area of opportunity – is producing some surprising results.

The countries of Central Asia are increasingly independent and their political outreach stretches beyond their borders. A marketing whiz could even have a crack at a slogan that captures the situation adequately: Ask not what you can do for Central Asia – ask what Central Asia can do for you.

Situated between Europe and Asia – the two most energy-consuming markets today – Central Asia offers more than just considerable hydrocarbon assets. Its focal, albeit landlocked, location in the heart of Eurasia positions the region as a land bridge connecting cultures, societies, and – importantly – economies.