Blog
Crossroads Asia
What’s in Kazakhstan’s 2025 Development Plan?
By Wilder Alejandro Sanchez
On the road to 2050, Nur-Sultan aims to diversify its economy and develop new industries.
Border Issue Tops Agenda in Kyrgyz State Visit to Uzbekistan
By Umida Hashimova
In the Kyrgyz president’s first state visit to Uzbekistan earlier this month, border issues topped the agenda.
Concerns Swirl Around Kyrgyzstan’s Draft Constitution: Presidential Power, Judicial Independence, and Civil Society
By Catherine Putz
In a joint legal opinion, the OSCE and Venice Commission raise serious concerns about Kyrgyzstan's draft constitution, up for a vote on April 11.
BP Declined to Dive Back into Kazakh Oil Fields
By Catherine Putz
Last week, KazMunayGas published a letter sent by BP in October 2020 backing out of negotiations as the company looks to focus on renewables.
Rethinking Britain’s Central Asia Strategy
By Jade McGlynn
The U.K. needs to think more ambitiously – and more coherently – about its own capabilities and objectives in Central Asia.
Kazakhstan v. Alnur Ilyashev: Punishing Dissent in Ways Old and New
By Catherine Putz
Repression via technical glitch - that’s new.
Kyrgyz President Japarov Touches Down in Tashkent
By Catherine Putz
Following recent visits to Russia and Kazakhstan, new Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov is in Uzbekistan for a state visit.
Feminist Activists Take to the Streets in Kazakhstan
By Paolo Sorbello
Hundreds of activists and sympathizers took part in a march for women’s rights in Almaty.
Kyrgyzstan Expected to Greenlight Controversial Constitutional Referendum
By Catherine Putz
The referendum, the second this year, is likely to be set for April 11.
Vaccine Diplomacy in Central Asia: Russia vs. China?
By Catherine Putz
Can “vaccine diplomacy” change any minds in Central Asia when it comes to the Russia vs. China equation?
US Decries Release of Kyrgyz ‘Crime Boss’ Kolbaev
By Catherine Putz
Since 2014, the U.S. has offered a $1 million reward to information leading to the disruption of Kolbaev's alleged criminal network. No takers, so far.
Kyrgyzstan Tumbles in Freedom of the World Ranking
By Catherine Putz
On the back of its October 2020 upheaval and the ensuring political drama, Kyrgyzstan fell into the “not free” category with the rest of the region.