Country
Kyrgyzstan
What Is the SCO Doing Wrong? Lessons From ASEAN and SAARC
By Peter Krasnopolsky
The dynamics of the SCO are more similar to that of SAARC as opposed to the smooth-talking, consensus-seeking ASEAN way.
From Russian Ladas to Chinese BYDs: Central Asia’s Changing Priorities
By Rakshith Shetty
Beijing is steadily drawing the region into its orbit and away from Russia's traditional sphere of influence.
Central Asia’s Post-Ukraine Future
By Ahmad Tariq Noorzadeh
Maintaining a balancing act between Russia, China and the West will only become more difficult for Central Asia.
Reviving Energy Interdependence in Central Asia
By Peter Krasnopolsky
How the Central Asian Integrated Power System failed, and what might bring it back online.
SCO Set Grow in Astana With Addition of Belarus
By Catherine Putz
The SCO Summit will add Belarus to the roster. Xi and Putin are attending, but Modi is skipping.
Akyn Askat Zhetigen Sentenced to 3 Years by Kyrgyz Court
By Catherine Putz
The musician’s social commentary is entirely within the grand tradition of Kyrgyz akyns going back centuries. But speaking up is risky business in Kyrgyzstan these days.
Turning Out for Bishkek’s Trolleybuses
By Colleen Wood
Activists and Bishkek government officials are pushing back on the mayor’s office’s swift move to get rid of the city’s trolleybuses.
Kyrgyzstan’s Hot (Mess) Transport Summer
By Colleen Wood
A number of initiatives to shake up public transport in Bishkek have come to a head this summer.
Kyrgyzstan, EU Sign Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement
By Catherine Putz
Five years after concluding negotiations, Kyrgyzstan is the second Central Asian country to sign an enhanced partnership agreement with the European Union.
In Central Asia, Torture Persists, as Does Impunity
By Alva Omarova
No one should be subjected to torture at any time and in any circumstances. Central Asian governments must continue to strive to stamp out this illegal and inhuman practice.
Prosecutor in Kyrgyzstan Seeks 8 Year Sentence for Akyn Askat Zhetigen
By Catherine Putz
In the grand tradition of Kyrgyz akyns going back centuries, Zhetigen’s crime appears to be sharing his opinions with sharp words.
In Kyrgyzstan, Kempir-Abad Case Ends in Acquittal
By Catherine Putz
The court acquitted most of the defendants in a case that began with the mass arrest of more than 20 politicians and activists opposed to a border deal with Uzbekistan in October 2022.