Blog
Crossroads Asia
Uzbekistan’s Parliament Election Boosts Ruling Party
By Catherine Putz
O’zLiDeP, already the dominant force in the country’s parliament, saw its vote share increase in an election observers said lacked real competition.
A Close Call in Tashkent: Allamjonov Survives Assassination Attempt
By Niginakhon Saida
Allamjonov stepped down last month from his post in Uzbekistan’s Presidential Administration. A suspect has been arrested but authorities have not commented on a motive.
Corruption in Kazakhstan’s Judiciary
By Ayazhan Oirat
Since 2021, 30 judges have been held accountable for corruption, resulting in 15 prison sentences, which notably is more than in the previous eight years combined.
A Strategic Opportunity for the Organization of Turkic States Amid Great Power Competition
By Yılmaz Acar
The increasing cooperation among Turkic states is a strategic regional response to intensifying great power competition and shifting geopolitical dynamics in Eurasia.
Tajik ISKP Escalates Threats to Iran and Israel Amid Intensifying Gaza War
By Uran Botobekov
After October 7, conspiracy theories have gained traction within Central Asian Salafi circles accusing Shias of acting as agents of the Jews in a coordinated effort to undermine Sunni Islam.
Mongolia Encourages Trilateral Projects With China, Russia at SCO Summit
By Bolor Lkhaajav
The first trilateral summit between the countries’ prime ministers aimed to tackle government-to-government issues and find ways to enhance cooperation
What Does Kyrgyzstan Have to Do With the Spanish Seizure of Chemical Products Bound for Russia?
By Catherine Putz
The countries of Central Asia and the Caucasus are being used to facilitate the transfer of sanctioned goods into Russia, including allegedly 13,000 kilos of chemical products recently seized in Barcelona.
How Tajikistan and Uzbekistan Are Resolving Transport Connectivity Issues
By Nargiza Umarova
Despite the potential for a conflict of interests on the transport and transit track, it is still beneficial for Uzbekistan and Tajikistan to cooperate rather than compete.
The View From the Ground: China’s Evolving Strategy in South and Central Asia
By Sophia Nina Burna-Asefi
China’s growing footprint in South and Central Asia has been made possible by the influx of grants, loans, mergers, and economic concessions for projects.
The Power of Names: Turkiye’s Shift From Central Asia to Turkestan
By Mehmet Fatih Oztarsu
Ankara continues to strengthen its bid for influence in the region by stressing historical and cultural ties.
Is There a Future for Central Asia’s Indian Ocean Transport Projects?
By Eldaniz Gusseinov
The viability of the projects depends on the region's ability to navigate geopolitical tensions, security challenges, and economic uncertainties.
Can China’s Global South Strategy Achieve Its Objectives in Central Asia?
By Chan Young Bang
China’s foreign policy toward Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan has had contrasting results over the years.