Country
Kazakhstan
Prominent Karakalpak Activist Aqylbek Muratbai Facing Extradition From Kazakhstan to Uzbekistan
By Catherine Putz
Muratbai has been a vital voice in calling attention to Uzbekistan's persecution of the Karakalpak people. His detention in Kazakhstan is yet another warning shot.
Japan’s Role in Healing the Aral Sea and Engaging Central Asia
By Wilder Alejandro Sánchez and Marin Ekstrom
Tokyo is a quiet but important partner to Central Asia, with notable engagement on projects related to the Aral Sea.
Kazakhstan Appoints a New Government
By Paolo Sorbello
It’s a timid reshuffling that is unlikely to shake things up.
Central Asia No Closer to Shaking Perceptions of Corruption
By Catherine Putz
Transparency International notes a “troubling picture” in the region as countries struggle with “dysfunctional rule of law, rising authoritarianism, and systemic corruption.”
Kazakhstan’s Government Under Fire for Sloppy Earthquake Response
By Paolo Sorbello
The emergency response system did not work properly, top officials said.
‘Very Strong’ 7.1 Magnitude Quake in Western China Kills 3
By Ken Moritsugu and Han Ng Guan
Tremors also were felt in neighboring Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan.
Kazakhstan’s Evolving Afghanistan Policy
By Aziza Mukhammedova
Afghanistan’s market and its position as a trade route that can connect Central Asia to South Asian ports are critically important to Kazakhstan.
Nietbay Urazbayev, Karakalpak Diaspora Leader, Dies in Kazakhstan
By Catherine Putz
“One of the best of our people has left -- and this further complicates relations between the Karakalpaks and the Uzbek authorities,” a fellow Karakalpak activist told The Diplomat.
Following China’s Export of Sanctioned Goods Through Central Asia to Russia
By Dilfuza Mirzakhmedova, Shakhriyor Ismailkhodjaev, and Kamila Fayzieva
Goods exported to Russia from China via Central Asia need not be weapons in order to contribute to Russia’s war efforts in Ukraine.
The Tokayev Interview and Nazarbayev’s Long Shadow
By Catherine Putz
Kazakh President Tokayev says he “openly told Nursultan Abishuly Nazarbayev that the political arrogance of his close associates almost destroyed the country.”
What Happens to Central Asian Youth After Following China’s ‘Educational Silk Road?’
By Adina Masalbekova and Nigora Tangatarova
In contrast to the past, when youth from Central Asia largely migrated to Russia and other countries to do hard, physical labor, the younger generation is more focused on looking for educational opportunities abroad.
Huawei’s Growing Presence in Central Asia’s Telecom Industry
By Berikbol Dukeyev, Dilfuza Mirzakhmedova, and Madina Tursonova
In both Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, Huawei has positioned itself as a major player in the telecommunications market.