This week, we break down a flurry of developments reshaping Central Asia's security landscape, from the debut of the new C6 format and the surprise expansion of the once-exclusive C5 grouping, to Vladimir Putin's key trip to Bishkek for the CSTO summit. We examine the alarming collapse in Tashkent's air quality, Astana's decision to withdraw from a decades-long arms agreement, and the escalating pattern of cross-border drone strikes between Tajik and Afghan actors along one of the region's most volatile frontiers. Plus, we're joined by two leading China specialists to map out where Beijing's regional strategy is actually heading.

On the show this week:

• Edward Lemon (The Oxus Society for Central Asian Affairs)

• Bradley Jardine (The Oxus Society for Central Asian Affairs)

Hosted by Bruce Pannier and Michael Hilliard

Proudly brought to you by The Times of Central Asia, The Oxus Society for Central Asian Affairs and the European Neighbourhood Council.

For more info, please visit:

-The Times of Central Asia (https://timesca.com/)

- The Oxus Society (https://oxussociety.org/)

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- The Oxus Society for Central Asian Affairs (@OxusSociety) Check out Edward and Bradley's Book "Backlash: China's Struggle for Influence in Central Asia (New Perspectives on Eastern Europe & Eurasia)" here: https://global.oup.com/academic/product/backlash-9780197840740?cc=us&lang=en&

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