Country
Uzbekistan
New Uzbekistan, New Universities, New Problems
By Niginakhon Saida
Reforms in tertiary education have made university degrees more attainable in Uzbekistan, but less valued.
The Taliban’s New Canal Threatens Water Security in Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan
By Niginakhon Saida
As the Taliban rush to complete the Qosh Tepa canal, Central Asia’s water security is at risk.
Uzbek Journalists and Bloggers Suffer from Mirziyoyev’s Broken Promises on Freedom of Speech
By Umida Niyazova
Although there is much more freedom of speech compared to the Karimov era, ongoing attacks on bloggers and civil society activists show an alarming deteriorating dynamic in Uzbekistan.
Redeeming Book Culture in Uzbekistan
By Niginakhon Saida
In a new political era, boosted by social media, Uzbekistan’s publishers, translators, and book bloggers see rewarding opportunities amid the challenges.
Cultural Diplomacy as a Key Instrument of China-Central Asia Cooperation
By Paolo Sorbello
An interview with Chinese diplomacy researcher Giulia Sciorati.
It’s Karimov Era 2.0 for Muslims in Uzbekistan
By Madina Amin
A new wave of arrests in Uzbekistan have centered on religious lectures, songs, and social media posts, calling up memories of the not-so-distant Karimov era.
What’s the Status of Plans to Export Russian Gas to Uzbekistan?
By Catherine Putz
Moscow’s needs are more immediate, giving Tashkent time and space to negotiate.
EU-Central Asia Leaders’ Meeting Latest to Highlight Region’s Geopolitical Centrality
By Catherine Putz
Last year, the EU’s meeting with Central Asian leaders followed their summit with Putin; this year it trailed their meeting with Xi.
Hobbled Economic Prospects in Central Asia
By Catherine Putz
Emerging economies are “struggling just to cope,” the World Bank says. The latest Global Economic Prospects report notes slight improvements but many risks.
Brooklyn Lawyers Abuse Asylum System in Advising Clients to Fraudulently Claim LGBTQ Persecution
By Catherine Putz
Taking advantage of the very real persecution of the LGBTQ community in Russia and across much of the former Soviet Union, a pair of lawyers conspired to commit immigration fraud.
Uzbekistan Supreme Court Issues Ruling on Karakalpakstan Appeals
By Catherine Putz
Tazhimuratov’s 16-year sentence was upheld while terms of others were either reduced or shifted to house arrest.
Karakalpakstan’s Sovereignty in Mirziyoyev’s Uzbekistan
By Catherine Putz
Karakalpakstan has a constitutional right to secede from Uzbekistan via referendum, but calling for such a vote results in immense pressure and often prison terms.