Blog
Crossroads Asia
The Trans-Caspian Corridor: Kazakhstan’s Silk Road?
By Wilder Alejandro Sánchez and Kamila Auyezova
Kazakhstan and the Caucasus nations are looking at the Trans-Caspian transportation corridor with renewed vigor given the war in Ukraine.
What’s in Kazakhstan’s Constitutional Referendum?
By Colleen Wood
On June 5, Kazakhs will vote on a package of reforms intended to transform the country from a super-presidential system to a “presidential system with a strong parliament."
Dilemma of the Sacred Lands: Preserving Mongolia’s Ovoos
By Bolor Lkhaajav
Amid Mongolia's mining boom, cultural sites such as ovoos (cairns) need special protection.
Public Opinion on China Waning in Central Asia
By Elizabeth Woods and Thomas Baker
Even as China’s economic influence expands, a credibility gap looms in Central Asia.
Kazakh President Signs Controversial Law Aiming to Control Social Media Companies
By Catherine Putz
The new law may pave the way for Kazakh authorities to influence the decisions of social media networks regarding content.
No, Press Freedoms Have Not Improved in Central Asia
By Catherine Putz
Methodology isn’t a headline buzzword, but an improving rank certainly is -- no matter the context.
Crossroads Asia Seeks Summer 2022 Interns
By Catherine Putz
Iran on the Horizon: Future Prospects for Central Asian Rapprochement
By Elizabeth Woods and Thomas Baker
Only recently has Central Asia become a policy priority for Tehran, which now sees the region as a potential “bridge” between Iran and the East.
Islamic State in Afghanistan Looks to Recruit Regional Tajiks, Inflict Violence Against Tajikistan
By Lucas Webber and Riccardo Valle
ISKP’s expanded media campaign seeks to recruit ethnic Tajik and nationals as well as incite militant violence against Tajikistan.
Campaign Against Kyrgyz Journalist Bolot Temirov Intensifies With Forgery Allegations
By Catherine Putz
Like clockwork: After Temirov released a new investigative report last week, the authorities piled on new charges.
‘Look at Ukraine’: Russian Commentator Threatens Kazakhstan
By Catherine Putz
Kazakhstan is, indeed, looking at Ukraine carefully and thinking seriously.
Bad Business Climate in Russia a Boon for Kazakhstan
By Catherine Putz
Kazakhstan stands to benefit as Russian companies look to move out of Russia in order to trade globally again.