Blog
Crossroads Asia
US Looks to Draw Central Asia Into Critical Minerals Supply Chains
By The Diplomat
What are the strategic interests of the United States in the development of deposits of critical minerals in Central Asia?
2 Tajik Opposition Activists Go Missing in Turkey
By Catherine Putz
In less than a month, two prominent Group 24 activists have disappeared in Turkey, raising concerns that they have been or will be sent back to Tajikistan.
Kyrgyz ‘Mass Media’ Law Withdrawn by Presidential Request
By Catherine Putz
After meeting with media representatives, Japarov requested the controversial bill be withdrawn and “finalized” – ostensibly to be re-worked and re-considered at a later time
Mongolia: Moving Beyond Financial Incentives to Meet Energy Efficiency Goals
By Rachel Thibeault, Tajwar Arnab, Clarence Lau, and Tong Zhang
Non-financial incentives could prove useful for increasing energy efficiency in developing countries with tight budgets. Mongolia is a prime example.
Alleged ISKP Plot Foiled in Russia, 2 Kazakh Citizens Killed
By Catherine Putz
Kazakh authorities have confirmed the citizenship of two men killed in an FSB raid in Russia last week, allegedly forestalling an ISKP attack.
The Middle Corridor: A Renaissance in Global Commerce
By Hunter Stoll
Although the Middle Corridor offers promise, its journey toward becoming a viable strategic alternative to existing trade routes will be met with tough challenges.
With Journalists Behind Bars, Kyrgyzstan Enters New Era of Repression
By Ilya Lozovsky
The authorities have accused Temirov Live, a respected investigative outlet, of inciting mass unrest, and jailed nearly a dozen of its current and former employees.
Tajikistan’s Epidemic of Domestic Violence Against Women
By Mia Tarp Nurmagambetova
At the highest level, the problem lies unaddressed: powerful representatives of state bodies have failed to strongly and publicly condemn domestic violence.
Russian Gas Supplies to Uzbekistan Set to Grow
By Catherine Putz
As the “Central Asia gas union” solidifies on the back of high demand, political and corruption risks linger.
With Starlink and Satellite Launches, Mongolia’s Digital Transformation Reaches a Milestone
By Bolor Lkhaajav
Mongolia’s activities with SpaceX and Thales Alenia Space demonstrate both Ulaanbaatar’s development strategy and its third-neighbor foreign policy.
Kyrgyzstan’s Repressive Turn Lands Bishkek on CIVICUS Watchlist
By Catherine Putz
The watchdog says Kyrgyz authorities are “cracking down on dissent with unprecedented severity”
Blackouts in Tajikistan Highlight Energy Woes
By Catherine Putz
Tajikistan confronts many of the same issues as neighboring Kyrgyzstan, where water levels at critical reservoirs are approaching dangerous lows.