Blog
Crossroads Asia
Kazakh Fintech Giant to Buy Ukrainian Bank
By Paolo Sorbello
Kaspi plans an expansion into Ukraine, friendly elite provide a banking license.
Central Asia’s FemAgora Festival Embraces Cyberfeminism
By Colleen Wood
In its fourth year, the FemAgora festival adopts an unabashed cyberfeminist approach to activism.
China’s Security Infrastructure Continues to Grow in Tajikistan
By Catherine Putz
Several reports in October underscore the persistent growth of Chinese security engagement in Tajikistan.
EU-Uzbekistan: Long Way to an Enhanced Partnership
By Akram Umarov
In general, Uzbekistan is positively predisposed toward engaging non-regional powers. But there are some challenges to increasing EU-Uzbekistan ties.
Tajik President Emomali Rahmon’s European Tour
By Ana-Maria Anghelescu
European leaders concerned with Afghanistan’s security situation may see Tajikistan as a useful partner to limit refugee flows to Europe.
Uzbek President Secures 2nd Term in Flawed Election
By Catherine Putz
The OSCE election monitoring mission says reforms under Mirziyoyev "have not yet resulted in a genuinely pluralistic environment."
Kazakhstan Still Has a Protest Problem
By Catherine Putz
The Kazakh state still has the final say in who is allowed to engage in public demonstrations.
Russia Hosts Afghan Talks, Calls for Inclusive Government
By Vladimir Isachenkov
Russia had worked for years to establish contacts with the Taliban, even though it designated the group a terror organization in 2003.
Could Russia’s Buddhist Republics Complicate Relations With China?
By James Utley and Jade McGlynn
Religious diplomacy might be a sophisticated Kremlin foreign policy tactic, but it will never trump basic Russian foreign policy needs.
Emomali in Paris: Tajikistan, Europe, and the Afghanistan Problem
By Catherine Putz
With no regional options for truly “like-minded” partners, France seems to be settling on Tajikistan as the best bet.
Quiet Presidential Campaign Nearly Over in Uzbekistan
By Catherine Putz
Uzbekistan's election is set for October 24.
Russia’s Dependence on Cheap Central Asian Labor Exposed
By Umida Hashimova
Administrative punishments against Central Asian labor migrants and COVID-19 restrictions reveal the vulnerabilities of Russia’s labor market.