Blog
Crossroads Asia
Why Was a Solo Protester Jailed in Kazakhstan for Picketing a Chinese Consulate?
By Catherine Putz
Just because Kazakh-China relations have experienced some bumps lately doesn’t mean Nur-Sultan is ready to accept public protests on the matter.
China Changes Diplomatic Styles in Central Asia Over COVID-19
By Umida Hashimova
Why is China rushing to comment on domestic COVID-19 developments in Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan?
Will Kyrgyzstan Postpone Its October Parliamentary Polls?
By Ilgiz Kambarov
A date is set, but Kyrgyz citizens have serious concerns about the safety of holding an election amid a pandemic spinning out of control.
Post-COVID, China Set to Gain in Central Asia
By Aleksey Asiryan
Beijing is well positioned to continue growing its influence in Central Asia, though some challenges remain ahead.
COVID-19, Hot Winds, or Dust? Turkmenistan Lashes out Over Tajik Weather Report
By Catherine Putz
The hottest air is coming from the Turkmen government, paranoid about admitting COVID-19 is in the country.
Volunteers to the Rescue as Virus Rages in Kyrgyzstan
By Daria Litvinova
As Kyrgyzstan’s health system collapsed, ordinary people stepped up to help.
How Data Doomed Central Asia’s COVID-19 Responses
By Catherine Putz
As the saying goes, "There are three kinds of lies: lies, damned lies, and statistics."
China Launches 5+1 Format Meetings With Central Asia
By Umida Hashimova
The format marks an expansion of China’s role in the region and a signal of its readiness to compete for influence.
Kazakhstani Blue Helmets in Lebanon
By Wilder Alejandro Sanchez
Exploring Kazakhstan’s contribution to the UN Peacekeeping force in Lebanon, a landmark for the Central Asian state.
Kazakhstan’s COVID-19 Crisis Spinning on
By Catherine Putz
Kazakhstan has extended its second lockdown through the end of July and media have begun to compile lists of the dead.
Why It Matters That Uzbekistan’s President Endorsed Russia’s Referendum
By Umida Hashimova
Uzbek President Mirziyoyev endorsed constitutional changes in Russia that will likely keep Putin in power for years to come, with serious implications for Central Asia.
China Missteps With Wild Allegation of a ‘New’ Deadly Pneumonia in Kazakhstan
By Tristan Kenderdine
Fortunately for the world, there is no new plague coming out of Kazakhstan.