Blog
Crossroads Asia
The Mongol Archive: Medieval Links Between France and Mongolia
By Mark Cruse
The medieval Mongol archive, dating from the 13th century, had a profound influence on French maps and exploration.
Kazakh Youth Find Their Voice for Nuclear Justice at the UN
By Nigel Li
Kazakhstan was among the original 50 states that signed and ratified the treaty prohibiting nuclear weapons in 2018.
What the Launch of a UN Hub in Almaty Could Mean for Stability in Afghanistan and Central Asia
By Alberto Frigerio
Kazakhstan, as Central Asia’s largest economy, has a vested interest in ensuring that Afghanistan is integrated into regional economic frameworks.
Why Did Mongolia’s Foreign Minister Visit Japan?
By Sumiya Chuluunbaatar
Battsetseg Batmunkh’s visit paves the way for an even bigger event to come: Japanese Emperor Naruhito’s visit to Mongolia this summer.
Kazakhstan’s Plans for a Regional Sustainable Development Goals Center Backed at UN
By Catherine Putz
The effort, however, comes at a time when major global powers – namely the U.S. – are pivoting away from the kind of U.N.-centered cooperative framework envisioned by Astana.
Tajikistan Holds Parliamentary Elections Without Independent Observers
By Kulobiddin Norov
Dushanbe’s parliamentary polls, held on March 2, took place without external scrutiny and turned up an expected landslide for the ruling party.
Uzbek Security Service Shakeup Continues With Dismissal of Internal Affairs Minister
By Catherine Putz
Pulat Bobojonov, who has been minister of internal affairs since 2017, was moved to an adviser post in the presidential administration.
Gold Plot Auction Heightens Focus on Chinese Investments in Uzbekistan
By Catherine Putz
31 plots in Uzbekistan’s prime gold mining region Navoi went up for auction last month, sparking rumors and discussion about China’s growing business interests in the country.
Kazakhstan’s Foreign Agent Law Proposal Could Severely Impact Civil Society and Media Freedom
By Albert Otkjær
As Kazakhstan debates stricter regulations on foreign-funded NGOs and media, some organizations are already closing down due to the freeze on USAID funding.
Trump’s ‘Maximum Pressure’ on Iran Complicates Central Asian Export Routes
By Nargiza Umarova
Changing U.S. policies present both risks and opportunities for countries like Uzbekistan, which have looked to Iran to connect them to global markets via the sea.
Tokayev’s ‘New Kazakhstan’: Rebranding the Old Guard?
By Elvira Aidarkhanova
Three years after announcing a “New Kazakhstan,” has Tokayev truly changed Central Asia’s leading economy?
Expanding Mongolia’s Partnership With Japan and South Korea
By Bolor Lkhaajav
Given the current state of international affairs, it’s time to move beyond bilateral ties to explore a trilateral partnership between Ulaanbaatar, Tokyo, and Seoul.
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