This is not the first time Western countries have turned their attention to Central Asia – the region was already the focus of external attention in the 19th century as the theatre of the Great Game, then following the collapse of the Soviet Union, and a further wave of interest arose after the 9/11 attacks and the subsequent American involvement in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Nearly four years after the beginning of the full scale Russian invasion on Ukraine, Poland faces a strategic decision on how to advance cooperation with Ukraine in the rapidly growing field of military drone production. The choice lies between basing this partnership on the NATO frameworks or pursuing it bilaterally. Each of the options presents specific advantages and trade-offs in terms of speed, control, industrial benefit, and strategic influence.

Todays near standoff between the Philippines and the People’s Republic of China (PRC) in the Scarborough Shoal is a reminder that over time foreign policy mistakes only expand in their complexity and negative implications.