Region
Central Asia
Cancel Culture Hits Central Asia’s Concert Scene
By Colleen Wood
How should we interpret the recent cancellations of a number of planned concerts by Russian performers in the region?
PM Modi Hosts Xi and Putin for Virtual SCO Summit a Fortnight After US Visit
By Krutika Pathi
This is Russian President Vladimir Putin’s first summit since the Wagner insurrection.
Kazakhstan and Germany: Dissecting President Frank-Walter Steinmeier’s Visit
By Eldaniz Gusseinov
The German president’s recent visit underscores Berlin’s commitment to strengthening ties with Kazakhstan amidst a volatile geopolitical landscape.
Instead of a Cell, a Muzzle: How Kazakhstan Stifles Critics and Avoids Criticism
By Kyle Delbyck
Instead of lengthy jail terms, Kazakh authorities have taken to issuing years-long bans on speech and political activity, a tactic that incurs far less international condemnation.
Kazakhstan Is Vulnerable to Secondary Sanctions
By Sophia Nina Burna-Asefi
For Kazakhstan, the secondary sanctions risk is not just hypothetical.
Who Is Responsible for the Fires in Kazakhstan?
By Colleen Wood
Patterns in criticism of government officials reveal how President Tokayev views the chain of responsibility for the fires, but the broader public may disagree.
What Did Studying in China Teach Kyrgyz Students About Civic Engagement at Home?
By Adina Masalbekova
Although the students see China's tight control of political discussions as a source of extraordinary discipline, they vehemently oppose it.
Uzbek Journalists and Bloggers Suffer from Mirziyoyev’s Broken Promises on Freedom of Speech
By Umida Niyazova
Although there is much more freedom of speech compared to the Karimov era, ongoing attacks on bloggers and civil society activists show an alarming deteriorating dynamic in Uzbekistan.
Redeeming Book Culture in Uzbekistan
By Niginakhon Saida
In a new political era, boosted by social media, Uzbekistan’s publishers, translators, and book bloggers see rewarding opportunities amid the challenges.
The Uyghur Human Rights Policy Act is US Law. Where Are the Sanctions?
By Omer Kanat
Three years on, the UHRP Act has seen only token implementation. Tokenism isn’t enough to fight a genocide.
Cultural Diplomacy as a Key Instrument of China-Central Asia Cooperation
By Paolo Sorbello
An interview with Chinese diplomacy researcher Giulia Sciorati.
Kyrgyz MPs Resurrect Bid to Brand NGOs ‘Foreign’ Agents
By Catherine Putz
The new attempt uses the phrase "foreign representative" but the implications are the same for Kyrgyzstan's largely foreign-funded NGOs.