This study examines whether economic growth is associated with material pressure and resource efficiency in the Turkic Republics by focusing on disaggregated material footprint components (biomass, fossil fuels, metal ores, and non-metallic minerals) during the 1992–2024 period. Using second-generation panel econometric techniques that account for cross-sectional dependence, heterogeneity, and structural breaks, the study evaluates whether growth is associated with material decoupling in resource-intensive transition economies. The findings reveal no stable long-run cointegration relationship under regime shifts, suggesting that growth–resource dynamics are shaped mainly by cyclical and structural factors rather than sustained decoupling. The causality results identify a statistically significant unidirectional causal relationship running from economic growth to non-metallic mineral consumption, highlighting the role of construction – and infrastructure-related material demand. Overall, the results indicate limited evidence of sustained material decoupling and emphasize the need to complement emission-focused policies with material efficiency, circular economy practices, sustainable business strategies, green supply chains, and resource-efficient production.

Keywords: Material footprint, Economic growth, Resource efficiency, Sustainable business strategies, Circular economy

DOI : https://doi.org/10.53277/2519-2442-2026.3-01 [HTML]

This article examines how state regulation of internal migration affects urban development in Kazakhstan. Using a mixed-methods design that combines demographic analysis with the Institutional Gap Framework, the research evaluates current migration management mechanisms. The study’s main scientific contribution lies in conceptualizing the “institutional vacuum” in migration policy and demonstrating that interventions fail when they overlook the actual absorptive capacity of receiving cities. Results indicate that existing state support measures, such as mobility certificates, prioritize short-term financial incentives over systemic solutions for housing and infrastructure. Consequently, in northern regions, direct subsidies act merely as temporary buffers against demographic decline. Conversely, spontaneous migration to major metropolitan areas increases the risk of infrastructure overload and unregulated suburbanization. Ultimately, improving internal migration policy requires a comprehensive approach that takes into account the practical socioeconomic capacities of receiving urban systems.

Keywords: Internal migration, Migration policy, Urban development, State regulation, Absorption capacity

DOI : https://doi.org/10.53277/2519-2442-2026.3-02 [HTML]

The article examines the formation of local collective memory through street renaming in rural Kazakhstan since independence. The empirical basis consists of official decisions made by local executive (akimat) and representative (maslikhat) bodies. The aim of the study is to identify the features of the emerging toponymic landscape and its influence on local communities in the context of nation-building. The methodology is based on quantitative and comparative analysis of temporal dynamics, regional distribution, and the structure of old and new place names. The findings reveal a transition from the Soviet ideological canon to a nationally oriented system of symbols: names associated with Soviet figures are most frequently replaced, while new toponyms reflect the Kazakh historical and cultural narrative. The study concludes that street renaming in Kazakhstan constitutes a managed process of symbolic reconfiguration in which rural areas play a key role in consolidating a new national identity.

Keywords: Nation-building, Collective memory, Local communities, National identity

DOI : https://doi.org/10.53277/2519-2442-2026.3-03 [HTML]

The late 2010s signaled a decisive shift in Uzbekistan’s political trajectory, as the country adopted a new approach to Central Asian regionalism. This study compares the Karimov and Mirziyoyev presidencies to show how changes in foreign policy discourse encapsulates broader transformations in governance, identity, and national priorities. Particular attention is given to their contrasting leadership styles and approaches to regional integration. Using both qualitative and quantitative methods, this study traces key narratives in the foreign policy discourse of both leaders. While there are notable similarities in their rhetoric, especially regarding Central Asia’s shared identity and Uzbekistan’s role in regional integration, the findings highlight significant differences in practice. Whereas Karimov prioritized sovereignty over engagement with multilateral structures, Mirziyoyev emphasized multilateral cooperation while simultaneously addressing domestic challenges

Keywords: Regionalism, Central Asia, Identity, Sovereignty, Multilateralism

DOI : https://doi.org/10.53277/2519-2442-2026.3-04 [HTML]

This article examines the viability and feasibility of the Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity (TRIPP) as a potential component of the Middle Corridor. It argues that TRIPP is strategically viable but only conditionally feasible, since its implementation depends on more than physical infrastructure. Using Critical Geopolitics, Connectivity Politics, and Risk Governance as analytical lenses, the study evaluates TRIPP as a politically sensitive connectivity project shaped by competing interpretations of unimpeded movement and sovereign jurisdiction, regional competition, legal uncertainty, local legitimacy, financing constraints, and the involvement of external actors. The article shows that TRIPP could strengthen Eurasian route diversification, restore direct and unimpeded connectivity between mainland Azerbaijan and Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic, provide Armenia with reciprocal connectivity benefits, and deepen Türkiye’s East-West connectivity. However, these opportunities can be realized only through a governance framework that combines unimpeded connectivity with respect for sovereignty, territorial integrity, and jurisdiction, transparent institutional arrangements, regional coordination, local support along the route and equitable socioeconomic benefit-sharing.

Keywords: TRIPP, Middle Corridor, South Caucasus, Connectivity politics, Risk governance.

DOI : https://doi.org/10.53277/2519-2442-2026.3-05 [HTML]

DOI : https://doi.org/10.53277/2519-2442-2026.3-06 [HTML]