International Congress - 2023 Changing Geopolitics of Central Asia and Caucasus: Challenges and Prospects

AIM AND SCOPE From a global perspective, Central Asia and the Caucasus as a geopolitical complex is one of the most notable regions of the world. Changing geopolitics of the region which retains challenges and prospects in the same pot is of crucial importance not only for its periphery but also for the rest of the world. While the great and regional powers’ contests; interstate, intrastate, and extrastate conflicts; terrorism; and organized crime challenge the stability of the region, prospects of security, economic, and organizational cooperation promote a new horizon of peace, stability, and prosperity. It is highly likely that Central Asia’s and the Caucasus’ future will be more dynamic than ever. Changing dynamics of the region transforms its geopolitics. 21th Century has brought a new atmosphere of cooperation together with uncertainties, new risks and threats to the region. A new understanding of scholarship is one of the determinant factors to shape a safe and secure future for the region. This may also help positive developments for the entire world. For that reason, İstanbul Arel University / Türkiye has organized an online international congress titled “Changing Geopolitics of Central Asia and the Caucasus: Challenges and Prospects” (17-18 June 2023). The aim of Congress is to discuss, analyze and assess the present and future areas of concern and opportunities in Central Asia and the Caucasus. The Congress will be held in two days with successive five sessions. The first three sessions will deal with challenges with an understanding of the enlarged security approach. The fourth session will concentrate on regional cooperation areas of the economy, energy, transportation and the fight against organized crime and terrorism. The final session is about the future of regional organizations, forums and conflict resolution initiatives.