Blog
Crossroads Asia
Mongolia Braces for Coronavirus Impact
By Monica Weller
Mongolia has shut its border with China and closed down schools, among other efforts to prevent the virus from spreading into the country.
US Looks to Central Asia to Stand Up to China on Xinjiang
By Catherine Putz
Washington's messaging is aimed both at Beijing and Central Asian capitals.
A New US Strategy for Central Asia: Continuity Under Better Conditions
By Catherine Putz
The new strategy revolves around a familiar “holy trinity” -- independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity -- while acknowledging the power of new regional dynamics.
Turkmenistan’s Latest Boondoggle: A New $1.5 Billion City
By Catherine Putz
Turkmenistan plans to to build a $1.5-billion city amid spending cuts.
Tajik Journalist Facing Extremism Charges
By Catherine Putz
Ahead of parliamentary elections, Tajik authorities detained a journalist for publishing what it says are more than 200 articles “containing extremist content.”
US Suspends Issuing Immigration Visas to Kyrgyz Citizens, Others
By Catherine Putz
Kyrgyzstan is among six countries hit with new visa restrictions by the United States.
Press Freedom Questions Follow Pompeo to Central Asia
By Catherine Putz
The U.S. secretary of state said he’s sent a “perfect message” on press freedoms.
Pompeo, in Kazakhstan, Warns of China’s Growing Reach
By Associated Press
The secretary of state pressed Kazakhstan to be wary of Chinese investment and influence, urging it and others to join calls demanding an end to China's repression of minorities.
Potholes and Bumps Along the Silk Road Economic Belt in Central Asia
By Li-Chen Sim and Farkhod Aminjonov
Belt and Road-related problems could prompt Central Asian states to re-engage more seriously with other actors.
The Real Meaning of Manizha Mania
By Colleen Wood
A Tajik-Russian singer’s new video explores the double-bind of migration and assimilation.
Report Links Ablyazov to Embattled Maltese Academic Joseph Mifsud Via Swiss Lawyer Stephan Roh
By Catherine Putz
A Maltese academic, a Swiss lawyer, and a fugitive Kazakh oligarch -- what could possibly be the connection?
US Secretary of State Pompeo’s Trip to Central Asia Back on
By Catherine Putz
This weekend Pompeo will make stops in Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan.