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The Diplomat
Authors
Colleen Wood

Colleen Wood

Colleen Wood is a PhD student at Columbia University’s Political Science Department, focusing on state-building and identity issues in Eurasia. For The Diplomat, she writes about Central Asian politics and culture. Follow Colleen on Twitter or get in touch by email.

Posts by Colleen Wood
Can Quotas Fix Gender Disparity in Kyrgyzstan’s Politics?
June 25, 2019
Can Quotas Fix Gender Disparity in Kyrgyzstan’s Politics?
A draft law proposing gender quotas for Kyrgyzstan’s village councils could help increase women’s representation at the local level.
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Can Quotas Fix Gender Disparity in Kyrgyzstan’s Politics?
New Civic Movement Urges Kazakhstan to ‘Wake Up’
June 07, 2019
New Civic Movement Urges Kazakhstan to ‘Wake Up’
Days before presidential elections, a new movement in Kazakhstan calls on citizens to wake up and demand more say in government.
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New Civic Movement Urges Kazakhstan to ‘Wake Up’
A Wedding Dress, a Tweet, and Kyrgyzstan’s Culture Wars
May 29, 2019
A Wedding Dress, a Tweet, and Kyrgyzstan’s Culture Wars
The life cycle of a social media scandal is brief, but a recent episode raises key questions about freedom and gender equality.
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A Wedding Dress, a Tweet, and Kyrgyzstan’s Culture Wars
What are the Prospects for Reform in Uzbekistan?
May 14, 2019
What are the Prospects for Reform in Uzbekistan?
A panel of experts say that prospects for genuine reform in Uzbekistan look promising, but are not guaranteed.
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What are the Prospects for Reform in Uzbekistan?
Can Social Media Change Governance in Central Asia?
April 25, 2019
Can Social Media Change Governance in Central Asia?
Improved digital infrastructure and pushes for reform are changing how Central Asian politicians and bureaucrats govern.
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Can Social Media Change Governance in Central Asia?
Kyrgyzstan: Omurbek Babanov’s Canceled Return
April 15, 2019
Kyrgyzstan: Omurbek Babanov’s Canceled Return
Former presidential candidate Omurbek Babanov canceled plans to return to Kyrgyzstan, a year and a half after he fled the country.
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Kyrgyzstan: Omurbek Babanov’s Canceled Return
After Returning Home, What Awaits Kyrgyz Labor Migrants?
April 01, 2019
After Returning Home, What Awaits Kyrgyz Labor Migrants?
Returned labor migrants’ entrepreneurial skills are underutilized. A new project seeks to change that.
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After Returning Home, What Awaits Kyrgyz Labor Migrants?
Soviet Nostalgia Meets Kyrgyz Social Media
March 21, 2019
Soviet Nostalgia Meets Kyrgyz Social Media
Social media accounts specializing in historical photos of Kyrgyzstan reflect young people’s desire to learn about their country’s past.
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Soviet Nostalgia Meets Kyrgyz Social Media
Meeting the Kazakh Diaspora
February 28, 2019
Meeting the Kazakh Diaspora
Recent documentaries explore the contours of the Kazakh diaspora and challenge mainstream assumptions about migration and assimilation.
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Meeting the Kazakh Diaspora
In Central Asia, Politics By Way of Social Media
February 22, 2019
In Central Asia, Politics By Way of Social Media
New research on youth in Central Asia attempts to untangle young people’s political attitudes and preferences on their own terms.
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In Central Asia, Politics By Way of Social Media
Kyrgyzstan's Persistent Urban-Rural Divide in Reproductive Health
January 30, 2019
Kyrgyzstan's Persistent Urban-Rural Divide in Reproductive Health
Awareness about reproductive health and access to contraceptives are unevenly distributed across Kyrgyzstan.
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Kyrgyzstan's Persistent Urban-Rural Divide in Reproductive Health
Nothing to Spit at: Kyrgyzstan Penalizes ‘Negative Behaviors’
January 25, 2019
Nothing to Spit at: Kyrgyzstan Penalizes ‘Negative Behaviors’
Debate over a fine on spitting in public reveals the role of social media in developing civic participation.
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Nothing to Spit at: Kyrgyzstan Penalizes ‘Negative Behaviors’
Why Did Kyrgyz Stage a Protest Outside the Chinese Embassy?
December 29, 2018
Why Did Kyrgyz Stage a Protest Outside the Chinese Embassy?
In Bishkek, Kyrgyz demonstrated against China’s mass detainment of Muslims, but other grievances are shaping protests too.
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Why Did Kyrgyz Stage a Protest Outside the Chinese Embassy?
To Empower Women in Kyrgyzstan, Address Masculinity
December 21, 2018
To Empower Women in Kyrgyzstan, Address Masculinity
Gender violence is a pervasive problem in Kyrgyzstan. A local NGO is trying to address it by working with men.
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To Empower Women in Kyrgyzstan, Address Masculinity
Human Security Central in New Effort to Save the Aral Sea
November 30, 2018
Human Security Central in New Effort to Save the Aral Sea
The United Nations has established a new Multi-Partner Trust Fund for the Aral Sea Region.
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Human Security Central in New Effort to Save the Aral Sea
For Central Asian Migrant Workers, a Sense of Home is Only an App Away
November 14, 2018
For Central Asian Migrant Workers, a Sense of Home is Only an App Away
A vibrant digital ecosystem has developed to support Central Asian migrant workers navigating the challenges of living far from home.
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For Central Asian Migrant Workers, a Sense of Home is Only an App Away
Radicalization in Central Asia: 'Not In Our Name'
October 26, 2018
Radicalization in Central Asia: 'Not In Our Name'
A new documentary project filmed in Central Asia seeks both to document and counter violent extremism in the region.
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Radicalization in Central Asia: 'Not In Our Name'
Spectacular Cities and Urban Transformation in Central Asia
October 17, 2018
Spectacular Cities and Urban Transformation in Central Asia
Efforts to transform Central Asia’s urban spaces have long ignored input from local residents; grassroots efforts could change that.
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Spectacular Cities and Urban Transformation in Central Asia
Girl and the Nation: Central Asia’s Gendered Quest for National Identity
September 29, 2018
Girl and the Nation: Central Asia’s Gendered Quest for National Identity
The violent response to Zere Asylbek kyzy’ art reflects gendered expectations about women embodying the nation in Central Asia.
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Girl and the Nation: Central Asia’s Gendered Quest for National Identity
From Kyrgyzstan to the Stars: The Kyrgyz Space Program
September 11, 2018
From Kyrgyzstan to the Stars: The Kyrgyz Space Program
A group of teenage girls want to make Kyrgyzstan the next country to launch a microsatellite.
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From Kyrgyzstan to the Stars: The Kyrgyz Space Program
India's Soft Power at Play in Central Asia
August 23, 2018
India's Soft Power at Play in Central Asia
India’s soft power push could be threatened by tension stemming from medical students’ bumpy integration in Kyrgyzstan.
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India's Soft Power at Play in Central Asia
Back to Wakhan: Kyrgyz Returnees Head Back to Afghanistan
August 14, 2018
Back to Wakhan: Kyrgyz Returnees Head Back to Afghanistan
A group of ethnic Kyrgyz who moved to Kyrgyzstan last year from Afghanistan have returned to the Pamirs -- why?
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Back to Wakhan: Kyrgyz Returnees Head Back to Afghanistan
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Interview
Shankaran Nambiar on the State of New Malaysia’s Economy
July 09, 2019
Shankaran Nambiar on the State of New Malaysia’s Economy
A conversation on the state of Malaysia’s economy under its new government, and the implications for domestic and foreign policy.
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