Blog
Crossroads Asia
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.
Trial of 11 Journalists in Kyrgyzstan Ends in Prison Sentences and Acquittals
By Catherine Putz
Of the 11 journalists charged in a case that has drawn heavy criticism, two received prison sentences, two probation, and seven were acquitted.
Commonwealth of Independent States Gathers in Moscow for Annual Heads of State Meeting
By Catherine Putz
Putin characterized cooperation within the CIS as “one of the Russian Federation's top foreign policy priorities.”
Maintenance Work Brings Down Oil Production at Kazakhstan’s Kashagan
By Catherine Putz
Despite Kazakhstan’s efforts to reschedule the Kashagan maintenance, the drop in production conveniently forces Astana to meet commitments it has made to OPEC+ to reduce oil production.
Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan: New Domestic Violence Laws and the Protection of Children
By Christopher von Claparede-Niemann
Every child in Central Asia deserves to grow up in an environment free from violence, where protection is not only a policy, but a reality.