Blog
Crossroads Asia

After 33 Years, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan Announce Border Agreement
By Catherine Putz
The two sides say they’ve reached an agreement and fully completed the description of their mutual border. The next steps will be even more difficult.

Door-to-Door: Tajikistan’s Fight Against Radicalization
By Abaigeal Lorge
Dushanbe’s door-to-door policy is part of an almost decade-long campaign to counter radicalization and religious extremism in the country. Is it effective?

Critical Metals Key to Deepening South Korea-Kyrgyzstan Relations
By Catherine Putz
The two countries elevated ties to a comprehensive partnership.

France and Italy’s Central Asia Strategy: Securing Energy and Shaping Security
By Douwe van der Meer and Alexander Royall
Central Asia’s evolving geopolitical role is not just about balancing external actors; it is about leveraging these partnerships to pursue their own national and elite interests.

An Alleged Coup Plot and a Secretive Trial in Tajikistan
By Catherine Putz
The alleged coup plot features every one of President Emomali Rahmon’s personal bêtes noires.

Kazakhstan’s Kuryk Pipeline Plan
By Paolo Sorbello
A planned oil pipeline could gain momentum given the uncertainty around routes through Russia.

Can the US Be a Weapons Supplier to Central Asia?
By Wilder Alejandro Sánchez
The United States' footprint in the Central Asian arms market is minimal, but the State Department believes this situation could change in the future.

Security Service Shakeup in Wake of Allamjonov Assassination Attempt
By Catherine Putz
Arrests, an extradition from South Korea, and a waterfall of security official resignations: One month since the Allamajonov assassination attempt.

India-Kazakhstan Cooperation in Critical Minerals Signals a Shifting Regional Approach
By Araudra Singh
There seems to be a sense gripping New Delhi that its previous assumptions about Central Asia no longer remain valid.

Central Asia’s Green Transition Goals Highlighted at COP29
By Nigel Li
Although Central Asia has demonstrated a strong commitment to environmental sustainability, the path to a “green transition” remains fraught with obstacles.

Central Asia Is Investing in Itself
By Aruzhan Meirkhanova and Rassul Kospanov
Foreign investment has long been a focus for Central Asia, but the region's governments are increasingly looking to their neighbors.

Navigating the Challenging Path of Local Governance Reform in Uzbekistan
By Isa Khamedov and Igor Tsay
By embracing a balanced approach that empowers kengashes without undermining central oversight, Uzbekistan can foster a resilient and responsive local governance system.