Blog
Crossroads Asia
What Explains the Declining Reputation of Higher Education in Uzbekistan?
By Niginakhon Saida
There are many factors, but ultimately a college diploma no longer guarantees employment and the youth of Uzbekistan are skeptical of its necessity.
What Is the SCO Doing Wrong? Lessons From ASEAN and SAARC
By Peter Krasnopolsky
The dynamics of the SCO are more similar to that of SAARC as opposed to the smooth-talking, consensus-seeking ASEAN way.
Brides Too Soon: The Rising Trend of Early Marriages in Uzbekistan
By Niginakhon Saida
Early marriages are on the rise, primarily driven by a growing scarcity of eligible brides.
The Stati v Kazakhstan Saga Ends
By Paolo Sorbello
The parties said they reached a settlement more than a decade after arbitration proceedings started.
Why Did China, Mongolia, and Russia Skip Their Trilateral Leaders’ Summit at This Year’s SCO Gathering?
By Sumiya Chuluunbaatar
Instead, a trilateral foreign ministerial level meeting between China, Mongolia, and Russia was held. What does the change mean?
From Russian Ladas to Chinese BYDs: Central Asia’s Changing Priorities
By Rakshith Shetty
Beijing is steadily drawing the region into its orbit and away from Russia's traditional sphere of influence.
How Kazakhstan’s SCO Chairmanship Has Navigated East-West Tensions
By Nigel Li
Expanding membership risks a loss of focus for the organization, but Kazakhstan has pursued a vision that could be more enduring.
Widening Inequality Between Russia and China on Display at SCO Summit
By Alexander Piechowski
The Astana SCO Summit was Russia’s first as a junior partner to China.
Central Asia’s Post-Ukraine Future
By Ahmad Tariq Noorzadeh
Maintaining a balancing act between Russia, China and the West will only become more difficult for Central Asia.
Mongolia’s Cultural Diplomacy Brings New Deals With Fulham FC, BBC
By Bolor Lkhaajav
Mongolia is thinking outside the box in its attempts to diversify its economy, especially by promoting the tourism sector.
Mongolia’s Election Brings Diverse Multiparty Representation and Corruption Concerns
By Bolor Lkhaajav
The election installed four parties and one coalition in parliament, but also sparked allegations about bribery and vote-buying.
Kazakh Journalist Sadyqov Dies in Ukraine, Suspects Fled to Kazakhstan
By Catherine Putz
Ukrainian authorities identified two suspects, both Kazakh nationals. Open source investigations by journalists suggest the two men have government connections.