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The views, assessments and interpretations expressed in this article belong solely to the author and do not reflect the official position of the CICA Secretariat.

In accordance with the CICA Secretariat’s editorial policy, the publication below contains only those excerpts of the original analytical material that are directly related to CICA’s mandate, institutional development and activities. Sections containing geopolitical assessments, political recommendations or other content unrelated to CICA’s work have been omitted.

 

 

Half a century ago, in the summer of 1975, 35 states signed the Helsinki Final Act — a moment of world-historical significance. The Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe (CSCE) laid the groundwork for dialogue, confidence-building, and cooperative security between once-hostile blocs, a foundation that continues to resonate today.

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That is precisely why it is worth looking to Asia. In a time of renewed geopolitical tension and a fracturing international order, an alternative platform is emerging there: the Conference on Interaction and Confidence-Building Measures in Asia (CICA). With its move into a new headquarters in Astana in early July 2025, the organization underscores its readiness to act as a Central Asian security framework — and beyond that, to play a role in a world increasingly shaped by competing global dynamics. This is where its strategic relevance for Europe begins.

Kazakhstan stands at the center of this development. Geographically the bridge between Europe and Asia, the country is not only the initiator and driving force behind CICA but has also evolved in recent years into a global middle power.

Since its independence in 1991, Kazakhstan has pursued a multi-vector foreign policy. President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev relies on diplomatic balancing strategies that maintain relations with Russia, China, the United States, the European Union, and the Islamic world alike — while also seeking to strengthen international organizations such as the United Nations. This mission was highlighted by President Tokayev at this year’s Astana International Forum (AIF), where he declared Kazakhstan’s readiness to serve as a bridge-builder in a fragmented world. He called for dialogue over division and stressed the importance of respecting the sovereignty of all nations. He also argued that the UN Security Council must be reformed to include the voices of middle powers and the Global South.

On the international stage, Kazakhstan continues to lead in nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation. It hosts the IAEA’s Low-Enriched Uranium Bank and supports the UN’s International Day Against Nuclear Tests. As a host for numerous international dialogue formats — from the Syria talks and peace negotiations between Armenia and Azerbaijan to consultations on Afghanistan — Kazakhstan has proven its ability to bring conflicting parties to the table. CICA represents the institutionalized extension of Astana’s mediation diplomacy.

From Helsinki to Astana – Historical Parallels

During the Cold War, the CSCE served as a unique forum bringing East and West together despite ideological divides. Its goal was to reduce tensions, respect borders, and foster exchange in economics, science, and culture.

CICA pursues a similar approach — but in a far more complex geopolitical environment. Asia today is the stage for multiple lines of interaction: economic competition, cross-border terrorism, cyber threats, and the consequences of climate change and increasing water scarcity. While the CSCE was a Eurocentric project, CICA is a pan-Asian forum stretching from the Middle East to the Far East.

Structure and Membership

Founded in 1992 at Kazakhstan’s initiative, shortly after the collapse of the Soviet Union, CICA now has 28 member states representing around 90 percent of Asia’s landmass and about half the world’s population. They include states of the Middle East, Central Asia, South Asia, and East Asia, reflecting the platform’s broad geographical diversity.

In addition, there are 10 observer states as well as international organizations including the United Nations, OSCE, and the Arab League. This heterogeneous composition is both one of CICA’s greatest strengths and a key challenge. States with historically complex relations sit at the same table. This is possible because of a guiding principle: CICA is not a military alliance but a forum for confidence-building. Decisions are made by consensus, and there are no military obligations.

Working Methods and Focus Areas

CICA operates on the basis of a Declaration of Principles: sovereign equality, territorial integrity, non-interference in internal affairs, peaceful settlement of disputes, renunciation of force, and the promotion of economic and cultural cooperation.

Its work is structured along five dimensions: military-political security, new challenges and threats, economic cooperation, environmental security, and the “human dimension,” which covers human rights and fundamental freedoms, intercultural and interreligious dialogue, and people-to-people exchanges. In practice, this means that member states exchange information about military exercises, cooperate on counterterrorism, enhance cybersecurity, develop joint infrastructure projects, and create mechanisms for cross-border water management. Cultural exchange and educational cooperation are also key agenda items.

The chairmanship rotates every two years, with Azerbaijan currently holding the presidency until the next CICA summit in 2026. Unlike traditional military alliances, CICA takes a holistic view of security. Climate change and water scarcity in Central Asia are seen as existential risks.

The glaciers of the Tian Shan mountains are melting, the Aral Sea has nearly disappeared, and competition over the Amu Darya and Syr Darya rivers poses conflict potential. CICA is currently developing cooperative mechanisms to jointly manage transboundary water resources — an issue that is both ecologically and geopolitically sensitive.

Afghanistan, under Taliban rule since 2021, represents another key challenge. As a CICA member, it can — despite the Taliban government’s lack of international recognition — be included in multilateral dialogue. Kazakhstan uses this format to coordinate humanitarian aid, infrastructure support, and training programs for Afghan professionals.

 

 

The New Headquarters in Astana – Symbol and Operational Base

With the inauguration of its modern headquarters in Astana, CICA now has an institutional home for the first time — one that will significantly strengthen its operational capacity and professionalism. The establishment of permanent advisory bodies, improved communication channels, and a resident diplomatic corps will enhance its effectiveness. This step recalls the institutionalization of the CSCE into the OSCE in the 1990s, marking the transition from a dialogue platform to an operational organization.

Opportunities for Europe and Germany

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Germany could begin by seeking observer status within CICA to participate in discussions. It could also contribute its technical and organizational expertise in areas such as water management, renewable energy, and disaster relief.

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Moreover, building bridges between CICA and the OSCE could help both organizations share experiences and tools.

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Oliver Rolofs is a senior security expert and Co-Founder of the Munich Cyber Security Conference. He previously served as Head of Communications at the Munich Security Conference (MSC), where he was also responsible for the cyber and energy security policy programs.

 

Original publication: https://esut.de/2025/11/fachbeitraege/64910/cica-kasachstan-asien-eu/