Central Asia Is Going Nuclear - With Russia's Help

Central Asia is trapped in an energy paradox. The region’s governments are banking big on the future -- specifically, artificial intelligence and critical minerals mining. The problem? These industries demand huge amounts of energy. And right now, Central Asia is running out of it. Decades of under-investment, amid a booming population, mean the region’s aging Soviet-era infrastructure is buckling under the pressure. Blackouts, rationing, and temporary restrictions are already a seasonal reality. But with demand set to skyrocket, the region's largest economies have a new plan to keep the lights on. They’re going nuclear. But pulling this off means turning to an old, and complicated partner: Russia. And that raises a massive question: is partnering with Moscow a brilliant solution, or a geopolitical trap? And will Central Asia’s fix for one crisis merely trigger another? For more Indo-Pacific analysis, subscribe to The Diplomat: https://thediplomat.com/subscriptions/ Use code DIPASIA10 at checkout to get 10% off. SCRIPT: Catherine Putz VOICEOVER: Catherine Putz VIDEO EDITING: Aylin Aly 00:00 intro 01:21 Central Asia’s energy shortage 05:58 Kazakhstan's nuclear push 10:40 Uzbekistan’s nuclear push 14:00 the Russia risk Music licensed via Shutterstock: PG5CUDKD1CKVFIUL 7DKL52CIMWBEUYWO YASFQ8ZRVGRKZWZ4