Blog
Crossroads Asia
Kyrgyz Authorities Try to Head off Protests With Restrictions
By Colleen Wood
Kyrgyzstani authorities are restricting protests about Russia’s war in Ukraine, but some public servants are speaking out.
A More Integrated Future? Mapping Central Asian Optimism
By Elizabeth Woods and Thomas Baker
There’s a clear need for meaningful integration and cooperation in Central Asia, and public optimism for it. So what’s holding the region back?
Uzbekistan, Turkey Elevate Ties to a ‘Comprehensive Strategic Partnership’
By Catherine Putz
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is on a two-day visit to Uzbekistan, the latest step in the post-Karimov warming of ties.
Are Centerra and Kyrgyzstan Nearing a Deal to Split For Good?
By Catherine Putz
Nothing is set in stone, but Kyrgyzstan and Centerra Gold may be nearing the end of their long relationship.
Kazakhstan’s Oil Meets a Caspian Chokepoint
By Paolo Sorbello
Much of the oil produced in Kazakhstan transits through a pipeline across Russia, which now has shrunk output for a variety of reasons.
Economic Incentives Draw Central Asians Into Russia’s War Effort
By Umida Hashimova
Many of the Central Asians joining the Russian military are blindly responding to economic incentives, which are arguably based on half-truths.
Ethnic Central Asians Among Those Killed With the Russian Army in Ukraine
By Catherine Putz
Regional media have begun to report on the return of bodies, men born in Central Asia who took Russian citizenship over the years and ultimately died in Ukraine.
The Hurdles Facing Mongolia’s Overseas Voters
By Anoushka Chandarana, Anthony Coompson, Jemimah Ogundele, and Narayanan (Hari) GL
Mongolia does not make it easy for expats to cast their ballots in key elections.
Soviet Central Asian Leaders Are Far From Gone
By Francisco Olmos
From Kunayev to Razzakov to Rashidov, Soviet-era Central Asian leaders continue to play an important role in constructing historical narratives 30 years after independence.
Uzbek Foreign Minister Calls for Halting of Hostilities in Ukraine
By Catherine Putz
Minister Abdulaziz Kamilov gave one of the most direct refutations from a Central Asian official of Russia’s war in Ukraine.
As the War Continues, Ukraine Is on Kazakhstan’s Mind
By Paolo Sorbello
Ukrainian flags dotted many recent rallies in Almaty -- about issues as varied as pollution and International Women’s Day -- as people in Kazakhstan call for peace.
How the Russia-Ukraine War Is Changing Northeast Asia’s Geopolitics
By Bolor Lkhaajav
For China, Mongolia, and Japan, the fallout from the invasion is just starting to be felt. The long-term consequences are not yet clear.