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 Post

Power Without Affinity: China’s Limits in Kazakhstan

China is widely regarded as an efficient and capable economic partner, but its appeal largely stops there.
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Blog

Central Asia and the United States: What was (and wasn’t) discussed at the B5+1 Forum

As business opportunities expand, we must consider not only access to resources and markets, but also the consequences of the decisions being made.
Read more
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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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Projects

CAPS Unlock podcast

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

  • Blog
  • News
  • Events
  • CAPS Unlock
  • Ariel Lam Chan
  • March 3, 2026
  • 9 min read
Power Without Affinity: China’s Limits in Kazakhstan

China is widely regarded as an efficient and capable economic partner, but its appeal largely stops there.

Power Without Affinity: China’s Limits in Kazakhstan
  • Business
  • February 19, 2026
  • 7 min read
As business opportunities expand, we must consider not only access to resources and markets, but also the consequences of the decisions being made.
  • Foreign Policy
  • January 26, 2026
  • 8 min read
Why this expensive, inefficient and fragmented corridor works for the EU and for Central Asia
  • 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
  • March 3, 2026
  • 9 min read

China is widely regarded as an efficient and capable economic partner, but its appeal largely stops there.

Power Without Affinity: China’s Limits in Kazakhstan
  • Business
  • February 19, 2026
  • 7 min read

As business opportunities expand, we must consider not only access to resources and markets, but also the consequences of the decisions being made.

Central Asia and the United States: What was (and wasn’t) discussed at the B5+1 Forum
  • 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
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 20, 2026
  • 2 min read
Presentation of the Analysis of Opportunities for SMEs in Kazakhstan’s Green Economy in Almaty Region

CAPS Unlock, in collaboration with the Almaty regional government, invites you to attend a presentation and discussion of a new study exploring opportunities for small and medium-sized businesses in Kazakhstan’s green economy. The event will be held in the capital of the Almaty region, Konayev, on February 19. The event…

Presentation of the Analysis of Opportunities for SMEs in Kazakhstan’s Green Economy in Almaty Region
  • 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…
  • 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…
  • February 20, 2026
  • 2 min read

CAPS Unlock, in collaboration with the Almaty regional government, invites you to attend a presentation and discussion of a new study exploring opportunities for small and medium-sized businesses in Kazakhstan’s…

Presentation of the Analysis of Opportunities for SMEs in Kazakhstan’s Green Economy in Almaty Region
  • 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
Explore events

Publications

Explore research and insights shaping Central Asia’s future
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Projects

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TIA Central Asia – Cards ENG

TIA Central Asia – Cards ENG

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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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