CAIS integrates the study of Middle Eastern and Central Asian contemporary politics, international relations, history, culture, political economy and the role of Islam within the broader framework of the changing global order.

Since its foundation in 1994, CAIS teaching and research programs have specialised in the study of Central Asia, Eurasia and Afghanistan. The Central Asian Program is convened by Dr Kirill Nourzhanov.

Dr Nourzhanov joined CAIS in 2000 and developed the core areas of study of Central Asia and Eurasia. He came to ANU from Moscow State University and with his expertise in Central Asia has further expanded the program to compete with other such programs around the world.

Courses on Central Asia, Eurasia and Afghanistan can be taken in all undergraduate and postgraduate programs at CAIS.

Current research in Central Asian Studies

CAIS is home to one of the most successful programs of Central Asian Studies in the world. As well as its teaching focus in both undergraduate and postgraduate courses, CAIS maintains a consistent enrolment in research degrees in Central Asian Studies. The list of current research projects and recent graduates provide an indication of the areas and themes involved in this research.