July 10, 2017

Co-hosted by the Caspian Policy Center, the Heritage Foundation, and the Institute for Analysis of Global Security. The Central Asia and Caspian Sea basin is an important, if often overlooked, region in regard to many of the challenges the U.S. faces around the world, such as a resurgent Russia, an emboldened Iran, wavering allies, growing China, and the rise of Islamic extremism. The region is at the heart of the Eurasian continent, and anything that is at the heart of something is, by definition, important. The region is a crucial geographical and cultural crossroads linking Europe and Asia and has proven strategically important for military and economic reasons for centuries. There are many opportunities for the U.S. to engage more in the region in a way that advances America's national interests. However, there are many challenges that stand in the way, too. What role should America have in the region under the new Trump Administration? How can the U.S. better engage with partners in the region on issues like energy security, counterterrorism or even Afghanistan? Join us for discussion of these questions and more. http://www.heritage.org/global-politics/event/security-and-economic-development-silk-road-and-the-caspian