Overview

Comprising the region from the Caucasus to Mongolia, Central Eurasia has in recent years been one of the most vibrant yet volatile parts of the world. Most of its states are relatively young, having gained independence with the collapse of the Soviet Union, and have yet to establish solid democratic institutions or provide a measure of economic stability for their citizens.

In recent years, with global attention focused on the war on terrorism, conditions for fostering open society in the region have declined. Poverty is rampant, health and education systems are deteriorating, ethnic and religious conflicts plague all three countries in the Caucasus as well as Uzbekistan and Tajikistan, and post-Taliban power vacuums in Afghanistan and parts of Pakistan have created a dangerous environment that hinders development or reconciliation. Far too often, governments have responded by suppressing dissent, ignoring basic human rights standards, and failing to take decisive action against widespread corruption that continues to drain resources and morale.

The Open Society Institute and its affiliated Soros foundations in Central Eurasia work with governments, nongovernmental organizations and international partners to develop and initiate activities to find solutions to some of the region's most challenging problems. Among OSI’s and the foundations’ focus areas are the following:

• promoting transparency of government revenues derived from oil companies and other extractive industries as part of an effort to reduce corruption and foster open debate on the use of public funds;
• raising awareness about the twin, interlinked epidemics of injecting drug use and HIV/AIDS and supporting projects that address the individual and social harms associated with drug use;
• for the Caucasus in particular, supporting programming dedicated to these countries’ integration into Europe and the harmonization of legislation with European standards;
• supporting local efforts to improve human rights and health conditions for marginalized populations;
• focusing public attention on the status of ethnic minorities, young people, and prisoners;
• identifying repressive and antidemocratic legal developments and seeking their modification or repeal;
• assisting financially struggling local and national governments in their efforts to provide quality education to all young people;
• initiating public debate, and promoting public policy standards and government reform on the local and national level;
• introducing innovative social science courses and providing translations of essential texts;
• advancing the status of women;
• supporting independent media; and
• enhancing the role of culture as a medium of expression.

The ability to achieve these goals fluctuates according to a variety of factors, including government cooperation and the status of local social infrastructure. Overall, OSI remains committed to helping foster the development of dynamic and progressive societies in a region that continues to struggle against obstacles both old and new.

Of OSI's initiatives, the Central Eurasia Project provides the most comprehensive information about the organization's activities in Central Eurasia.