Blog
Crossroads Asia
Unrest in Central Asia: The Trouble in Karakalpakstan
By Catherine Putz
Although protests this year in Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan took place in different contexts, with different triggers, there are some similarities worth highlighting.
Karakalpak Protests Reflect the Shattered Promise of Mirziyoyev’s ‘New Uzbekistan’
By Ildar Daminov
A proposal to downgrade the autonomous region to a province set off massive protests.
New Constitutional Amendments in Mongolia: Real Reform or Political Opportunism?
By Munkhnaran Bayarlkhagva
There are serious issue with Mongolia's political system. Will the current proposals for constitutional amendment address those problems?
The Revival of Islam in Turkmenistan
By Merdan Amanov
Although Islam has been a part of Turkmen culture for centuries, public practice of Islam was largely suppressed during the Soviet Union and in the early independence era, too.
Uzbek Company Falls Afoul of Russia Sanctions
By Catherine Putz
In listing an Uzbekistan-based company, the U.S. State Department has a warning: “If you do business with sanctioned entities or individuals, you risk exposure to sanctions.”
Russia’s Putin Makes First Trip Abroad Since Invasion, to Tajikistan and Turkmenistan
By Catherine Putz
The warm welcome in Dushanbe and meetings around the Caspian table in Ashgabat were a chance for Putin to reaffirm his network of partners at a critical moment.
Tajikistan Lifts Internet Block on GBAO. What’s Next?
By Catherine Putz
As with previous rounds of unrest and crackdown in GBAO, the core issues remain unresolved.
Mongolia Hosts 7th Ulaanbaatar Dialogue on Northeast Asian Security
By Bolor Lkhaajav
After a two-year hiatus due to COVID-19, Mongolia's pre-eminent foreign policy mechanism is back in action.
Constitutional Changes Ahead for Uzbekistan
By Catherine Putz
Mirziyoyev looks set to follow in his predecessor's footsteps, tinkering with the constitution to stay in power indefinitely.
Busy Times in Iran-Central Asia Relations
By Francisco Olmos
Despite past tensions, the security and economic ties between the two regions have strengthened over the past year.
Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov’s Economic Legacy
By Merdan Amanov
What was the state of the Turkmen economy during Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov’s presidency?
A Cycle of Perpetual Violence for the Women of Uzbekistan
By Niginakhon bintu Saida
Domestic violence has traditionally been viewed as a “family matter” in Uzbekistan, but the power dynamics are starting to change.