China has become an important provider of development assistance (through grants and soft loans) to Central Asian states. The focus of this study is the two states of the region most in need of aid: Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan. The paper discusses the characteristics of Chinese assistance, comparing its activities and policies in Central Asia with those in Africa, and draws conclusions about the implications of such growing engagement. Given the European Union's declared interest in the region, notably through its Strategy for Central Asia adopted in 2007, the opportunity is taken to suggest ways in which China's growing development role should be understood in Brussels.

The report is based on research trips to Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan in June-August 2008 supported by a grant from the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. It is part of the Regional Competence-Building for Think Tanks project in the South Caucasus and Central Asia organized by the Norwegian Institute of International Affairs.

Co-Development: What objectives? What Principles? Second meeting (25 November 2008) of the Anglo-French Dialogue on Regularisation and Co-Development

The goal of this paper is to analyze the threat of Islamist terrorism in Central Asia, through analysis of what could be termed a real Al Qaeda-like threat: the IMU (Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan) and its splinter cells, which seem to be the real problem in Central Asia.

Report written by Christian Schülke, Junior Research Fellow, Ifri Brussels

The term "transformation" is often heard in Western - especially U.S. - military circles. "Transformation" is generally intended to convey the notion of major, productive change for the future that will result in improved military capabilities. A major issue that faces the militaries of most democratic nations is, however, what missions are they transforming for? This article examines that important question, with a particular focus on the types of operations that are likely to predominate in the coming years, and the implications that they will have for the armed forces of the Western nations as they plan for the future.

Report written by Christian Schülke, Junior Research Fellow at Ifri"s Energy program

Report written by Christian Schülke, Junior Research Fellow, Ifri Brussels.

How can we, and should we manage cases of transboundary pollution?