Blog
Crossroads Asia
After Brawls and Protests, Kyrgyzstan’s Campaigns Near Election Day
By Catherine Putz
Despite a campaign marked by scandals and upheavals, the outcome of the October 4 election is refreshingly difficult to predict.
Uzbekistan’s COVID-19 Response Exposes Tashkent’s Reform Successes and Failures
By Benjamin Godwin
What does the coronavirus response say about the government’s ability to deliver on its ambitious reform program?
What Did Central Asia’s Leaders Have to Say to the UN General Assembly?
By Catherine Putz
The five leaders foregrounded a range of issues, from the pressing challenge of COVID-19 to vague promises of political reform.
The FinCEN Files Show Suspicious Activities of Kazakhstan’s Former Oligarchs
By Paolo Sorbello
Hundreds of millions of dollars of suspicious origin have transited in and out of Kazakhstan with the help of U.S. banks, an investigation of thousands of leaked documents reveals.
Sino-Russian Economic Cooperation in Central Asia is Not What It Seems to Be
By Varshini Sridhar
China and Russia are partners in Central Asia, but their cooperative efforts are not as robust as they often claim.
Beyond the Intra-Afghan Talks, Uzbekistan Sees a Bright Future
By Umida Hashimova
The promise of peace in Afghanistan opens doors for Uzbekistan.
Mongolia’s E-Governance Quest
By Bolor Lkhaajav
In the last decade, Mongolia showed progress in e-governance, but there’s more yet to do.
Muhiddin Kabiri Speaks Online, Tajikistan’s Internet Shuts Down
By Catherine Putz
A coincidence? When IRPT leader Kabiri spoke this week in an online event his message was cut off from Tajikistan by “technical glitches.”
Swiss-Uzbek Agreement a Step Toward Returning Many Millions to Uzbekistan
By Catherine Putz
Can the Uzbek government ensure that those who participated in Gulnara Karimova’s corruption do not benefit from it once more?
Kazakh Activist’s ‘Fake News’ Conviction Upheld
By Catherine Putz
What concerns the Kazakh government isn’t “fake news” but its own fear that incompetence, pointed out, will undermine the current power structures.
Central Asia’s Refineries Under Scrutiny
By Paolo Sorbello
Kazakhstan's anti-monopoly agency fines the Atyrau refinery; Uzbekistan's Fergana refinery becomes loot for investors.
Field Set for Tajik Election, No Surprises
By Catherine Putz
With less than a month until election day, Rahmon stands prominently in a field of unsurprising candidates unlikely to rock the boat.