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Umida Hashimova

Umida Hashimova

Umida Hashimova works as an analyst at the Center for Naval Analyses (CNA), where she concentrates on U.S. national security issues. Umida is a scholar on Central Asia’s current affairs and regularly publishes on the topic.

Umida Hashimova works as an analyst at the Center for Naval Analyses (CNA), a federally funded research and development organization in Arlington, Virginia, on U.S. national security issues. She has many years of experience in research and project management on the Eurasia region. Umida is a scholar on Central Asia’s current affairs and a frequent contributor to the The Diplomat and Jamestown Foundation’s Eurasia Daily. In her native Uzbekistan, Umida worked for United Nations agencies on economic, illicit drugs, and crime issues. Umida holds Master in Public Policy concentrating on International Economics from the School of Advanced International Studies, Johns Hopkins University and Master of Arts in Human Rights Law from the University of Essex. Umida’s thesis was on labor migration from Uzbekistan, and she conducted field research on the topic in Russia and Uzbekistan. The Russian and Uzbek languages are Umida’s native languages.

Posts by Umida Hashimova
April 13, 2022

Are Central Asian Migrant Workers Ready to Leave Russia?

By Umida Hashimova
Less than half of Central Asians labor migrants are ready to return to their home countries a month after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

March 28, 2022

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. 
March 01, 2022

Ukraine: The View From Central Asia

By Umida Hashimova
The Central Asian states were caught off guard by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Responses have varied from silence to concern to outright support.

February 15, 2022

Uzbek Justice Ministry Sounds Alarm Over Divisive Religious Messaging

By Umida Hashimova
The Justice Ministry is alarmed about religious figures whose teachings blur the line between religion, their personal moral views, and the law.

January 18, 2022

Uzbekistan Reacts to the Crisis in Kazakhstan

By Umida Hashimova
Tashkent reiterated its anti-CSTO sentiments and says it can independently control domestic issues if needed. 

January 03, 2022

2021: Another Year of the Russian Language in Central Asia

By Umida Hashimova
Among Russian officials, 2021 was a year of heightened sensitivity to the Russian language in Central Asia.
December 13, 2021

Backlash Against Tajik and Uzbek Signage in the Moscow Metro

By Umida Hashimova
Anti-immigrant moods are on the rise among Russia officials again, with Tajik and Uzbek signage drawing criticism despite evidence they were helpful additions. 

December 10, 2021

Is Syria Still Calling to Would-be Uzbek Militants?

By Umida Hashimova
With a series of recent arrests, it seems Uzbek authorities believe that Syria remains an attractive destination for prospective fighters.

November 29, 2021

No Place for Afghan Refugees in Central Asia

By Umida Hashimova
Even financial compensation can’t lure Central Asian countries into accepting Afghan refugees.

November 15, 2021

Uzbekistan Still Contemplating Eurasian Economic Union Membership

By Umida Hashimova
Tashkent is taking its time, slowly moving toward EAEU membership and perhaps hoping to carve out exceptions in exchange for joining.

October 18, 2021

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.
October 12, 2021

Will the Taliban’s Takeover Inspire Central Asian Extremists?

By Umida Hashimova
Central Asian governments seem more sensitive to domestic and regional threats possibly invigorated by the Taliban’s rise to power.

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