The persistence of water competition in Central Asia has already increased regional tensions and could eventually escalate to armed conflict if the situation goes unaddressed.

Two proposed hydropower dam projects could create conflict in Central Asia.

Growing economic activity along the border has resulted in additional security measures, which could cause tensions with local populations.

The flow of drugs from Central Asia into Russia is a significant problem for Moscow. Though completely eradicating drug trafficking is impossible, Moscow would like to gain as much control as it can over the illicit trade.

Eurasia Analyst Eugene Chausovsky discusses the recent unrest in Kazakhstan and the prospects for regional instability.

VIDEO TRANSCRIPT:

Analyst Eugene Chausovsky examines Russian designs for integrating Ukraine and Kyrgyzstan into its customs union and how that challenges the European Union and China.

Editor’s Note: Transcripts are generated using speech-recognition technology. Therefore, STRATFOR cannot guarantee their complete accuracy.

Analyst Peter Zeihan examines the causes and geopolitical implications of a dry Aral Sea.