Blog
Crossroads Asia
Trade and Transit Top Agenda as Uzbek Delegation Visits Afghanistan
By Catherine Putz
A large Uzbek delegation visited Kabul over the weekend, with trade and transit issues under discussion.
How Is the Israel-Hamas War Being Framed in Central Asia?
By Colleen Wood
Journalists, influencers, and religious teachers are using social media to inform Central Asians about the Israel-Hamas war.
Pair of Trials Put Behind Closed Doors in Kazakhstan
By Catherine Putz
Two different trials, of two separate unregistered political party leaders, were both placed behind closed doors this week.
Mine Fire in Kazakhstan Kills 46, Accelerates Nationalization Talks
By Catherine Putz
After years of safety problems, ArcelorMittal confirms its in talks to transfer ownership to Kazakhstan. But a change of ownership won’t necessarily make mining any safer.
The Mongolia-China-Russia Trilateral After the Belt and Road Forum
By Bolor Lkhaajav
All three countries have different, if convergent, goals for their trilateral cooperation, headlined by the Power of Siberia 2 mega-project.
Central Asian Governments React to the Israel-Palestine Conflict
By Colleen Wood
To what extent have religious ties or geopolitical ambitions shaped Central Asian governments’ responses to growing violence in Gaza?
In Samarkand, USAID Head Power Announces New Funds for Central Asia
By Catherine Putz
USAID Administrator Samantha Power announced an additional $14.3 million in regional programing, plus $18.7 million to boost collaboration in Uzbekistan, specifically.
Kyrgyz ‘Foreign Representatives’ Bill Passes First Reading in Parliament
By Catherine Putz
The bill must be passed in three readings before heading to the president, but time is growing short for amendments to be made.
Water Security Woes in Mongolia’s Capital
By Elena Gordillo Fuertes and Nomundari Erdene
The pressures of rapid population growth, mismanagement, and climate change are jeopardizing Ulaanbaatar’s water supply.
Ulaanbaatar’s Cultural Diplomacy Strengthens France-Mongolia Ties
By Bolor Lkhaajav
For Mongolia, 2023 has been a breakthrough year for the country’s cultural diplomacy.
What’s Driving the France-Mongolia Rapprochement?
By Bolor Lkhaajav and Mathieu Droin
Just five month after the French president's historic visit to Ulaanbaatar, Mongolian President Khurelsukh Ukhnaa paid a state visit to France.
In Uzbekistan, a Nascent Push for Green Energy
By Zhanaiym Kozybay
Amidst the energy and electricity crisis, Tashkent’s pursuit of renewables is as much about addressing the threat of climate change as it is about shoring up its energy security.