Blog
Crossroads Asia
Kazakhstan’s Yurts of Peace: Citizen Diplomacy in the Making
By Zhaniya Bekshora
Kazakh citizen diplomacy can be viewed as a tool for cultivating humanism and demonstrating solidarity, as well as an important foreign policy instrument.
Long Prison Term for Aspirational Kazakh Opposition Leader
By Catherine Putz
Nurzhan Altaev was given a 10-year sentence earlier this month, and another opposition leader, Marat Zhylanbaev, is expected to see a similar sentence soon.
Mongolia Launches a Shakespeare-esque Play in London
By Bolor Lkhaajav
“The Mongol Khan” will be the first Mongolian play performed abroad, furthering emphasizing Mongolia's cultural diplomacy.
Kazakhstan’s First Go at Direct Elections of District Mayors
By Colleen Wood
Incumbents from the ruling party swept elections for district-level leadership.
The Transition to Sustainable Heating in Central Asia Is Critical and Achievable
By Charles Cormier and Jas Singh
A transition to sustainable heating would mean fuel and cost savings, lower emissions, and greater energy independence.
What’s Behind the Increased Diplomatic Push in Kazakhstan?
By Nikola Mikovic
Putin undoubtedly seeks to preserve the status quo in Russia’s relations with Kazakhstan. And Tokayev continues implementing Astana’s decades-old multi-vector foreign policy.
Organization of Turkic States Seeks to Unite Europe With Asia
By Mark Temnycky
Continued dialogue between countries from Europe, the Caucasus, and Central Asia suggests that the political climate in the region is changing.
Kazakhstan-US Convene Enhanced Strategic Partnership Dialogue in Astana
By Catherine Putz
U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs Donald Lu heads to Uzbekistan and India next.
What a National Tragedy Says About Labor Rights in Kazakhstan
By Alva Omarova
Workers’ rights and safety have been routinely neglected both by private companies and the state, resulting in tragedies like the fire that killed 46 miners last month.
Putin Heads to Kazakhstan, With Strategic Ties and Trade on the Agenda
By Catherine Putz
One elephant in the room, of course, will be the subject of sanctions evasion.
Tashiev Thunders Against ‘Kolbaev-Matraimov Mafia’
By Catherine Putz
It appears a purge is underway, as Tashiev decries the corrupt in Kyrgyzstan.
Uzbekistan’s Imams Stand in Solidarity With Palestine, Caution Against Propaganda
By Niginakhon Saida
Solidarity with and concerns about Palestine are not a new development among Uzbeks, but there have been a variety of responses to the escalating conflict in the Middle East.