Author

Botakoz Unbayeva

editor · EUReflect

Contributing writer at EUReflect.

87 stories · page 3 of 3

  • politics

    From ASEAN to BRICS: Malaysia’s Next Diplomatic Step

    Malaysia has declared its readiness to join BRICS “as early as tomorrow,” signaling a major diplomatic shift toward the Global South. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s remarks during the ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur underscore the country’s ambition to balance ASEAN pragmatism with broader multipolar engagement. Supported by Brazil and welcomed by Russia and China, Malaysia’s prospective accession could mark a turning point in Southeast Asia’s participation in global governance. The move highlights Malaysia’s evolving foreign policy — one defined by strategic autonomy, south-south cooperation, and a growing voice in reshaping the international order.

  • politics

    Trump Brokers Thai–Cambodian Border Peace

    U.S. President Donald Trump brokered a historic peace accord between Thailand and Cambodia, aiming to end decades of deadly border disputes and open a new phase of regional cooperation.

  • economy

    U.S. and Malaysia Seal Comprehensive Strategic Partnership

    At the 47th ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur, U.S. President Donald Trump and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim signed a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, marking a new era in bilateral and regional cooperation.

  • economy

    Gateway to Eurasia: Kazakhstan’s Rise as a Strategic Investment Hub

    In an interview with EUReflect, Aykerim Absamatova, Director of the SEZ “TURAN” in Turkistan, highlights Kazakhstan’s growing appeal as a strategic investment hub linking China, Russia, and the EU. She emphasizes the country’s strengths in political stability, logistics modernization, green energy, agro-processing, and digital innovation. Supported by the Belt and Road Initiative and strong government incentives within Special Economic Zones, Kazakhstan offers investors a reliable, future-oriented environment for sustainable growth and regional expansion.

  • politics

    Trust as Power: Astana’s Strategy

    Kazakhstan is emerging as a “middle power of trust”, combining intellectual diplomacy, digital innovation, and cultural soft power to build credibility on the global stage. Through initiatives like the Astana Think Tank Forum 2025 and Digital Bridge 2025, the country promotes dialogue, technology, and cooperation as new pillars of influence. From deepening ties with Italy to showcasing its culture through Dimash Qudaibergen, Kazakhstan redefines leadership by turning trust into strategic capital in an uncertain world.

  • technology

    Tokayev’s Vision for a Digital State

    Kazakhstan is entering a new era of digital transformation under President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s leadership. The appointment of Zhaslan Madiyev as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development signals the country’s strategic focus on AI-driven modernization. Tokayev’s directive prioritizes strengthening digital infrastructure, developing human capital in AI, and enhancing e-government services. With ambitions to become Central Asia’s regional digital hub, Kazakhstan seeks to integrate AI across healthcare, education, public administration, and industry—transforming its economy from resource-based to innovation-led growth.

  • technology

    Chinese Technology in Türkiye and Uzbekistan: BYD Manufacturing Facilities

    Chinese EV giant BYD has expanded its global footprint through major investments in Türkiye and Uzbekistan. In 2024, the company announced a USD 1 billion factory in Manisa, Türkiye — a move that grants tariff-free access to the EU market. Meanwhile, in Uzbekistan, BYD is developing EV and battery production facilities to serve Central Asia, supporting the region’s green transition and industrial modernization. These investments position the Turkic world as a strategic hub in China’s global EV supply chain, strengthening economic ties while enhancing political leverage for both Türkiye and Uzbekistan in a multipolar world.

  • economy

    Intelligent Spending in China

    As China prepares its 15th Five-Year Plan (2026–2030), the narrative of a “consumption downgrade” is being replaced by one of transformation. Chinese consumers are shifting from materialism to smart, experience-driven consumption — prioritizing quality, emotion, and sustainability over status. Domestic brands like Pop Mart, Laopu Gold, and Mixue Bingcheng reflect this new rational luxury trend. With booming tourism, rising demand for “China-chic” products, and strong service consumption, China’s market shows resilience and maturity. The focus has moved from goods to experiences — signaling an evolution, not a decline, in the world’s second-largest economy.

  • politics

    Russia’s Altai Strategy in Eurasia

    This article explores Russia’s attempt to shape a Turkic-centered framework through the “Altai as the Homeland of the Turks” narrative and the “Greater Altai” project.

  • travel

    Samarkand 2025: Uzbekistan’s Cultural Diplomacy at the Heart of UNESCO

    The hosting of the 43rd UNESCO General Conference in Samarkand in 2025 highlights Uzbekistan’s growing global influence in culture, education, and science. This historic event underscores the nation’s successful reforms, cultural diplomacy, and commitment to preserving world heritage while promoting intercultural dialogue and sustainable development.

  • politics

    Türkiye’s KAAN Fighter and the U.S. License Dilemma

    Türkiye’s ambitious national fighter project, KAAN, described domestically as a 100% indigenous fifth-generation multifunctional aircraft, faces a critical obstacle: the United States has refused to grant licenses for certain technologies used in its production. This development, highlighted by Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, raises fundamental questions: Is KAAN truly a fully indigenous product, or is Türkiye still reliant on external suppliers? Does this situation indicate strategic tension between Ankara and Washington, or could it reflect a broader geopolitical maneuver targeting third countries? This article examines the roots of the licensing issue, explores the structural dependency embedded in the global defense supply chain, and evaluates Türkiye’s potential alternatives. The findings suggest that Türkiye stands at a strategic crossroads where decisions on technological independence will define its long-term military and political autonomy.

  • energy

    Türkiye’s Nuclear Turning Point: The Strategic Role of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs)

    Türkiye is entering a decisive phase in its nuclear energy policy with its commitment to develop and deploy Small Modular Reactors (SMRs). Recognized globally as one of the most significant innovations in nuclear technology, SMRs provide advantages in cost efficiency, flexibility, safety, and scalability compared to traditional reactors.

  • politics

    Trump Took the Money and Humiliated Netanyahu!

    The confrontation between U.S. President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is not just a personal clash between two leaders, but a turning point that has reshaped power balances in the Middle East.

  • politics

    Tokayev’s Strategic Signals for SCO

    On August 30, China Daily published an article by Kazakhstan’s President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, titled “Strong Kazakh-Sino ties key to successful cooperation.” This came just before his state visit to Beijing and participation in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit.

  • interview

    The Golden Man: The Tutankhamun of The Eurasian Steppe

    If you’ve ever encountered anything related to Kazakhstan — its currency, public monuments, history books, or national museums — chances are you’ve seen the iconic figure of the Golden Man. Dressed in a dazzling golden suit of armor and crowned with a tall, feathered headdress, this ancient warrior has become one of the country’s most recognizable symbols…

  • travel

    At the Crossroads of East and West: Reflections on Türkiye

    Discover Türkiye through the eyes of Aykerim Absamatova, an International Relations and Economy specialist and avid traveler. She shares unique cultural observations, comparing the spirit and streets of Türkiye with European cities based on her global experience.

  • general

    Historic Transfer from Russia to Kazakhstan: The Gagarin Launch Pad is Now Under KZ Ownership

    The historic Gagarin Launch Pad at Baikonur Cosmodrome — the site of Yuri Gagarin’s pioneering 1961 spaceflight — has officially been transferred from Russia to Kazakhstan. Now envisioned as a future museum and UNESCO World Heritage candidate, the site symbolizes a new era of Kazakh–Russian cooperation and the preservation of humanity’s space legacy.

  • politics

    A Centennial Move by the United States in the South Caucasus: The 100-Year Lease Proposal for the Zangezur Corridor

    The US has proposed a significant geopolitical solution for the disputed Zangezur Corridor (32 km), suggesting a neutral American logistics company manage the route for 100 years. The corridor is vital for the Middle Corridor (Central Asia to Europe via Türkiye), potentially weakening Russian and Iranian transit influence. The proposal aims to resolve the sovereignty conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan by providing an impartial third-party security and cargo oversight, driving broader diplomatic realignment in the South Caucasus.

  • general

    Tokayev’s New Era of Security Reform

    President Tokayev has signed a broad reform package strengthening oversight, urban development, and national security. The new law modernizes infrastructure, enhances state auditing, tightens migration control, and improves crisis response systems.

  • politics

    From Steppe Diplomacy to Global Balance: Tokayev on Law and Power

    At the CICA headquarters inauguration, President Tokayev linked Kazakhstan’s “Steppe Diplomacy” to global challenges, warning that power is increasingly placed above law. He called for renewed respect for international norms and the UN Charter.

  • energy

    The Role of Kazakhstan in Global Uranium Supply Chains

    Kazakhstan has become a pivotal player in global nuclear energy, supplying 40% of the world’s uranium and leading efforts to secure resilient, diversified supply chains. With rising uranium prices, geopolitical shifts, and new export routes like the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (TITR), Kazakhstan is redefining its role in global energy security and nuclear governance.