Earlier, in April, the U.S. implemented a blanket 10 percent tariff on all countries, including Central Asia. For Central Asia, however, these sanctions would be especially damaging. The Other FriendsCentral Asia, however, has other pathways for shaping its economic and political future, ones not constrained by U.S. threats and volatility. Despite widespread expectations, Central Asia continues to maintain cordial relations with its former colonizer, Russia. The future trajectory of the C5+1 may become clearer at the U.N. General Assembly’s General Debate this week, where world leaders – including those form Central Asia – are expected to articulate their visions for global politics and the forum’s near-term direction.