Turkmenistan Faces Unprecedented Challenges in 2015

Like most former Soviet countries, Turkmenistan has seen a significant devaluation of its currency and is facing growing economic pressures. These pressures have increased the potential for unrest in the country, where protests have historically been uncommon compared to its Central Asian neighbors. While the Turkmen government is still one of the most secure in the region and is unlikely to fall, it will face unprecedented economic and security challenges this year. This difficult domestic climate will also make Ashgabat more cautious in its foreign policy as it remains alert for signs of Russian meddling, undermining Turkmenistan's willingness to participate in Western-oriented projects such as the Trans-Caspian natural gas pipeline.