Country
Kazakhstan
Kazakh Activist’s ‘Fake News’ Conviction Upheld
By Catherine Putz
What concerns the Kazakh government isn’t “fake news” but its own fear that incompetence, pointed out, will undermine the current power structures.
Central Asia’s Refineries Under Scrutiny
By Paolo Sorbello
Kazakhstan's anti-monopoly agency fines the Atyrau refinery; Uzbekistan's Fergana refinery becomes loot for investors.
Kazakhstan’s Robin Hood: The Geopolitics of Sci-Hub
By Corissa Steiner
Sci-Hub, using legally dubious methods, makes academic research free to researchers worldwide. It is a win for Western academia.
Pandemic Slows Central Asia’s Gas Exports to China
By Umida Hashimova
The economic slowdown in China, a result of the coronavirus pandemic, has affected the gas trade.
Small Openings in Central Asia’s Pandemic-Closed Borders
By Catherine Putz
Kyrgyzstan opened a major border crossing with Uzbekistan, but will Tashkent let its citizens cross it?
Feminist Festival Kicks Off in Central Asia
By Paolo Sorbello
The third edition of the FemAgora Central Asia festival began with online video conferences this year, as activists find new and original ways to create networks
Kazakhstan Settles Deal With Russia for Vaccine Supply
By Catherine Putz
Russia's vaccine has not completed critically important phase III trials, but Kazakhstan has made a deal for access if Sputnik V proves effective.
Court Releases Activist in Kazakhstan in High-Profile Case
By Paolo Sorbello
A judge in Kazakhstan handed an activist a 1.5 year suspended sentence after she knocked off the hat of a policeman during a scuffle in June.
Protest Körpe: Quilting Together ‘Real’ and Digital Dissent in Kazakhstan
By Colleen Wood
Creative demonstrations for an imprisoned activist in Kazakhstan bridge digital and real-world engagement.
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?
Under COVID-19, Domestic Violence Intensifies in Kazakhstan
By Assem Almukhanbetkyzy and Kristi Eaton
As has been observed elsewhere in the world, quarantines in response to the COVID-19 pandemic have led to a spike in domestic violence incidents.