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Crossroads Asia

War and Migration: Central Asian Migrant Worker Flows Amid the Ukraine Conflict
May 31, 2023

War and Migration: Central Asian Migrant Worker Flows Amid the Ukraine Conflict

By Catherine Putz
The same circumstances that do not dissuade Tajik migrants from heading to Russia drive some Russians toward Kyrgyzstan and beyond.

New Wave Authoritarianism in Kyrgyzstan
May 31, 2023

New Wave Authoritarianism in Kyrgyzstan

By Haley Zehrung
Sadyr Japarov represents a shift from old-school authoritarianism to new-wave methods of consolidating illiberal, autocratic power under the guise of popular support.
Anatomy of a Sausage Scandal in Kyrgyzstan
May 25, 2023

Anatomy of a Sausage Scandal in Kyrgyzstan

By Colleen Wood
Industrialized meat processing is inherently a messy business. In Kyrgyzstan, the politics of regulating the food supply and flows of trade can be just as messy. 

From State Repression to a Warzone: How Pamiris Ended up on the Frontline in Ukraine
May 24, 2023

From State Repression to a Warzone: How Pamiris Ended up on the Frontline in Ukraine

By Suzanne Levi-Sanchez and Solim Nazarov
The situation draws attention to the plight of vulnerable communities and the interconnectedness of geopolitical events.

French President Emmanuel Macron Makes a Historic Visit to Mongolia
May 23, 2023

French President Emmanuel Macron Makes a Historic Visit to Mongolia

By Bolor Lkhaajav
The first visit by a French president to Mongolia was decades in the making.

In Xi’an, China’s Xi Calls for a ‘Shared Future’ With Central Asia
May 19, 2023

In Xi’an, China’s Xi Calls for a ‘Shared Future’ With Central Asia

By Catherine Putz
The summit produced the clearest iteration of Chinese interests in and commitments to Central Asia to date, but there's no "new blueprint" for relations.

Lineup Set for Snap Uzbek Presidential Election
May 18, 2023

Lineup Set for Snap Uzbek Presidential Election

By Catherine Putz
Five parties have nominated four candidates, but only one has any chance at 'winning' Uzbekistan's July 9 snap presidential election.
Will North Korea’s Foreign Minister Visit Mongolia This Year?
May 17, 2023

Will North Korea’s Foreign Minister Visit Mongolia This Year?

By Chuluunbaataryn Sumiya
While it is unclear whether Choe Son Hui will accept Ulaanbaatar's invitation, Mongolia is preparing to celebrate the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

Turkmen President Pays Visit to Tajikistan
May 11, 2023

Turkmen President Pays Visit to Tajikistan

By Catherine Putz
Although they don’t share a border, budding autocratic dynasties Turkmenistan and Tajikistan are close political neighbors.

Kazakhstan Moves to Curtail Parallel Trade to Russia
May 10, 2023

Kazakhstan Moves to Curtail Parallel Trade to Russia

By Catherine Putz
The cost of electronics and household appliances in Russia may increase by 10-12 percent due to new restrictions at the Kazakh border.

Central Asian Presidents Join Putin for May 9 Victory Day Parade
May 10, 2023

Central Asian Presidents Join Putin for May 9 Victory Day Parade

By Catherine Putz
It is difficult to disentangle the political choices made by Central Asian leaders to attend Moscow’s parade this year from the ongoing war in Ukraine.
Kazakhstan’s Ports: A Vital Node of the Middle Corridor
May 09, 2023

Kazakhstan’s Ports: A Vital Node of the Middle Corridor

By Wilder Alejandro Sánchez
While many issues are beyond Astana’s control, having modern and expanded ports will give the Middle Corridor a fighting chance at success.

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