Unlocking Central Asia’s Future

Driving dialogue and research to tackle the region’s critical challenges and shape an open, inclusive society.

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Blog

The six stories the European Union tells about Trans-Caspian transport

Why this expensive, inefficient and fragmented corridor works for the EU and for Central Asia
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News

VACANCY: Research Fellow (Education Policy)

The role involves applied research in education policy, analytical support to education reforms, and the development of policy-oriented recommendations, with a primary focus on Kazakhstan and Central Asia.
Details
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News

We are seeking a Research Fellow (China Studies)

The position is designed for candidates with strong academic training, demonstrated research capacity, and professional proficiency in the Chinese language.
DETAILS
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News

CAPS Unlock Monthly Brief (2026 Edition)

We are launching a new analytical series: the CAPS Unlock Policy Brief, a platform for sharp, argument-driven policy analysis on Central Asia.
Apply
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Blog

Rethinking cooperation and development in international higher education: Insights from Kazakhstan and China

China and Kazakhstan have over the past decade developed a strong partnership in the field of education.
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Blog

The Missing Half of Education Quality: Equality

On the inextricable link between “quality” and “equality” in education.
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Projects

CAPS Unlock podcast

The CAPS Unlock podcast, your guide to political, economic, and social developments shaping Central Asia.
Listen here
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Projects

Turn it around

Turn It Around! is a bold reimagining of climate education—a card deck where youth challenge the status quo through art, text, and urgent calls for change.
Learn more

Updates

  • Blog
  • News
  • Events
  • Foreign Policy
  • Juan Carlos Leunissen
  • January 26, 2026
  • 8 min read
The six stories the European Union tells about Trans-Caspian transport

Why this expensive, inefficient and fragmented corridor works for the EU and for Central Asia

The six stories the European Union tells about Trans-Caspian transport
  • CAPS Unlock
  • December 19, 2025
  • 11 min read
Despite shared goals and strategies, the two countries have adopted fundamentally different approaches in how they pursue this internationalization agenda.
  • CAPS Unlock
  • December 3, 2025
  • 8 min read
What does Kazakhstan’s focus on exam scores and rankings overlook about the broader link between educational quality and equality of opportunity?
  • CAPS Unlock
  • November 14, 2025
  • 6 min read
Suddenly, climate change is not a distant headline but something that touches the edges of their own experience.
  • Foreign Policy
  • January 26, 2026
  • 8 min read

Why this expensive, inefficient and fragmented corridor works for the EU and for Central Asia

The six stories the European Union tells about Trans-Caspian transport
  • CAPS Unlock
  • December 19, 2025
  • 11 min read

Despite shared goals and strategies, the two countries have adopted fundamentally different approaches in how they pursue this internationalization agenda.

Rethinking cooperation and development in international higher education: Insights from Kazakhstan and China
  • CAPS Unlock
  • December 3, 2025
  • 8 min read

What does Kazakhstan’s focus on exam scores and rankings overlook about the broader link between educational quality and equality of opportunity?

The Missing Half of Education Quality: Equality
  • CAPS Unlock
  • November 14, 2025
  • 6 min read

Suddenly, climate change is not a distant headline but something that touches the edges of their own experience.

Turning It Around in the classroom
Explore blog
  • CAPS Unlock
  • January 21, 2026
  • 5 min read
VACANCY: Research Fellow (Education Policy)

CAPS Unlock is inviting applications for the position of Research Fellow (Education Policy) at the junior-mid career level.

VACANCY: Research Fellow (Education Policy)
  • Central Asia
  • January 20, 2026
  • 5 min read
CAPS Unlock is seeking a Research Fellow (China Studies) at a junior–mid career level to support and expand the organization’s research and policy engagement related to China.
  • December 24, 2025
  • 3 min read
CAPS Unlock is launching a new analytical series: the CAPS Unlock Policy Brief, a platform for sharp, argument-driven policy analysis on Central Asia.
  • CAPS Unlock
  • October 20, 2025
  • 3 min read
Teachers across the region will use the Climate Cards Deck to spark classroom conversations about melting glaciers, shrinking rivers, and shared responsibility.
  • CAPS Unlock
  • January 21, 2026
  • 5 min read

CAPS Unlock is inviting applications for the position of Research Fellow (Education Policy) at the junior-mid career level.

VACANCY: Research Fellow (Education Policy)
  • Central Asia
  • January 20, 2026
  • 5 min read

CAPS Unlock is seeking a Research Fellow (China Studies) at a junior–mid career level to support and expand the organization’s research and policy engagement related to China.

We are seeking a Research Fellow (China Studies)
  • December 24, 2025
  • 3 min read

CAPS Unlock is launching a new analytical series: the CAPS Unlock Policy Brief, a platform for sharp, argument-driven policy analysis on Central Asia.

CAPS Unlock Monthly Brief (2026 Edition)
  • CAPS Unlock
  • October 20, 2025
  • 3 min read

Teachers across the region will use the Climate Cards Deck to spark classroom conversations about melting glaciers, shrinking rivers, and shared responsibility.

CAPS Unlock and UNESCO unveil Central Asian Climate Cards to bring climate change into classrooms
See more news
  • February 4, 2026
  • 1 min read
Analysis of Opportunities for SMEs in Kazakhstan’s Green Economy

CAPS Unlock invites you to a presentation and discussion of a new study on opportunities for small and medium-sized businesses in Kazakhstan’s green economy. 🌱The event will share practical findings relevant to policy decision-making, including how prepared businesses are to invest in green solutions, the main barriers and drivers they…

Analysis of Opportunities for SMEs in Kazakhstan’s Green Economy
  • October 3, 2025
  • 3 min read
The Bourse & Bazaar Foundation, the Rihla Initiative for Green Economic Growth, and CAPS Unlock are pleased to invite you to the panel of the Rihla Initiative for Green Economic Growth in…
  • September 17, 2025
  • 1 min read
CAPS Unlock invites you to a public lecture, “China’s Global Reach: New Methods to Understand China’s Expanding Presence.”  September 23, 202514:30-15:30 (UTC +5)Almaty, Kazakhstan Speaker: Maria Adele Carrai, assistant professor of…
  • August 6, 2025
  • 3 min read
CAPS Unlock invites you to a special double lecture event in Almaty, Kazakhstan. August 7, 10:00 (Almaty time) Lecture 1: Challenges and Prospects for Central Asia, the South Caucasus, and the…
  • February 4, 2026
  • 1 min read

CAPS Unlock invites you to a presentation and discussion of a new study on opportunities for small and medium-sized businesses in Kazakhstan’s green economy. 🌱The event will share practical findings…

Analysis of Opportunities for SMEs in Kazakhstan’s Green Economy
  • October 3, 2025
  • 3 min read

The Bourse & Bazaar Foundation, the Rihla Initiative for Green Economic Growth, and CAPS Unlock are pleased to invite you to the panel of the Rihla Initiative for Green Economic Growth in…

Panel Discussion: Gulf Investment in Green Economic Growth Across Central Asia and the Caucasus
  • September 17, 2025
  • 1 min read

CAPS Unlock invites you to a public lecture, “China’s Global Reach: New Methods to Understand China’s Expanding Presence.”  September 23, 202514:30-15:30 (UTC +5)Almaty, Kazakhstan Speaker: Maria Adele Carrai, assistant professor of…

Public lecture: Global China’s Reach: New Methods to Understand China’s Expanding Presence
  • August 6, 2025
  • 3 min read

CAPS Unlock invites you to a special double lecture event in Almaty, Kazakhstan. August 7, 10:00 (Almaty time) Lecture 1: Challenges and Prospects for Central Asia, the South Caucasus, and the…

Public lectures by Ambassador Alex Petriashvili & Dr. Zurab Batiashvili 
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Publications

Explore research and insights shaping Central Asia’s future
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Learn more about our initiatives
Think tank State of the Sector 2025

Think tank State of the Sector 2025

CAPS Unlock partners with On Think Tanks to amplify Central Asian voices in the 2025 State of the Sector Report.

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Bringing global ideas to Central Asia

Bringing global ideas to Central Asia

As part of our mission to enrich Central Asia’s intellectual landscape, CAPS Unlock is making globally significant scholarship more accessible. By introducing key works from the international social sciences sector to local audiences, we aim to broaden perspectives on civilizations, economies, and geopolitical shifts over time.

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CAPS Unlock podcast

CAPS Unlock podcast

The CAPS Unlock podcast is a weekly deep dive into political, economic, and social developments shaping Central Asia.

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Turn It Around

Turn It Around

Turn It Around! is a card deck where youth challenge the status quo with art, text, and urgent calls.

Learn more
Think Tank forum

Think Tank forum

The Central Asian Think Tanks Forum is a regional platform that brings together research and analytical organizations from the region to strengthen collaboration, exchange expertise, and address shared challenges. Launched in 2022, the Forum fosters long-term partnerships among non-profit think tanks, helping them grow, increase their influence, and promote democratic values in Central Asia. The […]

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CAPS Unlock programs

CAPS Unlock programs

Regional Research Our regional research explores the flows, of goods, data, and ideas, that shape Central Asia’s future. We publish in-depth analyses of trade trends, barriers, and emerging opportunities across the region. We also examine digital connectivity, including Kazakhstan’s dependence on external internet routes and its implications for neighboring states. Beyond data, we serve as […]

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