Stability, Governance & Conflict Dynamics
Internal political and security conditions shape stability across Central Asia in ways that external frameworks alone cannot capture. Our research covers political tensions, governance capacity, social unrest, violent extremism, and conflict dynamics within and between states. The CAC’s Stability, Governance & Conflict Dynamics workstream provides timely analysis of crises, conflict trajectories, and peace processes, with a focus on domestic institutions, state-society relations, and internal drivers of instability and resilience.
Internal Drivers Matter
External actors often receive disproportionate attention in analysis of Central Asia, but domestic factors frequently prove more decisive. Leadership transitions, governance failures, economic grievances, and social tensions shape regional stability in ways that great power competition alone cannot explain. Effective policy thus requires understanding what happens inside these states, not just what happens to them.
Conflict and Its Consequences
The South Caucasus hosts some of the world’s most intractable conflicts, while Central Asia faces persistent risks from governance failures and violent extremism. Unresolved disputes can destabilize entire regions, create humanitarian crises, and open doors for external exploitation. Understanding conflict dynamics and realistic pathways to resolution is essential for meaningful engagement with the region.
Projects
Regional Stability and Security Challenges
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Workstream Team
Dania Arayssi
Senior Analyst
Charles Walsh
Program Head and Analyst, Transnational Repression
Justin Burke
Resident Senior Fellow