The Diplomat | Author
Colleen Wood
Colleen Wood is a PhD student at Columbia University’s Political Science Department, focusing on state-building and identity issues in Eurasia.
August 07, 2020
Protest Körpe: Quilting Together ‘Real’ and Digital Dissent in Kazakhstan
By Colleen Wood
Creative demonstrations for an imprisoned activist in Kazakhstan bridge digital and real-world engagement.
July 01, 2020
Reaktsiya 3.0: Kyrgyz Protest Internet Censorship Bill
By Colleen Wood
Will protests be enough to convince Kyrgyzstan’s president to veto a bill that would restrict freedom of speech online?
June 20, 2020
Viral Video Exposes Domestic Abuse in Kyrgyzstan. To What End?
By Colleen Wood
A viral video depicting horrific domestic abuse reveals tension in social media’s mobilizing power.
May 28, 2020
Fed Up Kyrgyz Forge Ahead with Online Protests
By Colleen Wood
What should we make of a new digital flashmob that channels widespread discontent with Kyrgyzstan’s government?
May 21, 2020
Kyrgyz Rapper Strikes Chord With Track Condemning Corruption
By Colleen Wood
Fans of Kyrgyz rap are quick to see parallels between traditional musical forms and a famous artist’s new release.
April 30, 2020
Have Press Freedoms Improved in Central Asia?
By Colleen Wood
What does a new global press freedom index really say about Central Asia?
April 21, 2020
Kyrgyz Girl Power Pop: ‘Bad Daughter, When Will We Be Free?’
By Colleen Wood
A new song draws attention to violence against women while reclaiming sounds and symbols of Kyrgyz national identity.
March 31, 2020
How Is Central Asia Handling COVID-19?
By Colleen Wood
A broader comparative frame is more productive for understanding how Central Asian governments are handling the coronavirus pandemic.
March 21, 2020
Kyrgyzstan’s Meme-Makers Take on Serious Social and Political Issues
By Colleen Wood
While COVID-19 dominates Kyrgyzstan’s media landscape, citizens make memes to keep now-distant social issues relevant.
February 28, 2020
Kyrgyzstan’s Parliamentary Polls: Time to Lower the Threshold?
By Colleen Wood
Recent electoral reforms could incentivize corrupt campaigning, but is the answer to overhaul the new rules?
February 25, 2020
Kyrgyzstan’s Parliamentary Polls: An Open Field
By Colleen Wood
Kyrgyzstan will have parliamentary elections in October; party fractionalization means the race is anyone’s game.
February 01, 2020
The Real Meaning of Manizha Mania
By Colleen Wood
A Tajik-Russian singer’s new video explores the double-bind of migration and assimilation.
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