Country
Kazakhstan
New Strikes and Protests in Kazakhstan
By Catherine Putz
Though smaller in scale, ongoing protests highlight the economic inequality that lies at the center of Kazakh discontent.
Why Did Central Asia’s Leaders Go to Beijing?
By Catherine Putz
The visits by all five Central Asian presidents to China for the opening of the Beijing Games illustrate the importance of the relationship for both sides.
Killings and Arbitrary Arrests: Sorting Through Kazakhstan’s January Violence
By Catherine Putz
Officially, 227 people were killed in “Bloody January” and nearly 1,000 remain in detention. But what really happened?
Mixed Feelings as Kazakhstan Looks Back on a Bloody January
By Agnieszka Pikulicka-Wilczewska
“They fight among themselves for power, and ordinary people suffer.”
Tokayev Urges Balancing of Nazarbayev’s Shortcomings and Merits
By Catherine Putz
“Let us pay tribute to the historical merits of the first president… and leave possible miscalculations as a warning to the future leaders of our country," Tokayev said.
India, Central Asian Leaders Discuss Aid to Afghanistan
By Ashok Sharma
At a recent virtual summit, India and five Central Asian countries decided to form joint working groups on Afghanistan and Chabahar port.
Kazakh President Takes Aim at Wealthy Elite
By Catherine Putz
In asking Kazakhstan's rich to "pay their dues" Tokayev is addressing an aspect of public anger, but also might just be securing himself in power.
Blackouts Strike Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan
By Catherine Putz
The widespread blackout highlights a series of interconnected and concerning problems relating to reliable energy supplies in the region
After Kazakhstan, the CSTO Isn’t Finished With Central Asia
By Gabriel Gavin
The Russian-led CSTO military bloc has faced a critical test in the region.
Observer Now, Beneficiary Later: China and the Unrest in Kazakhstan
By Benno Zogg
China’s interests in Kazakhstan appear unaffected. As the Kazakhstani regime seeks economic growth and may tighten repression, Beijing's importance could grow.
Little Blue Helmets in Kazakhstan
By Matt Cavanaugh and Jahara Matisek
A blue line was crossed; the international community must respond.
Nazarbayev Resurfaces, Dismisses Talk of Elite Conflict in Kazakhstan
By Catherine Putz
The statement from the First President came just after evidence of elite conflict began surfacing in earnest, with suggestions of a purge of Nazarbayev elites.