Country
Uzbekistan
The Paradox of Uzbekistan’s Budding Virtual Civic Space
By Jennifer Brick Murtazashvili and Bakhrom Mirakilov
Despite continued challenges, Uzbekistan’s civil society is more vibrant than at any time in the country’s young history.
Uzbekistan’s Role in Afghan Reconciliation
By James Durso
Uzbekistan and the Central Asian states can offer Afghanistan a neighborly helping hand and the Taliban a clear understanding of their new responsibilities and obligations.
Uzbek Journalist Detained in Kyrgyzstan at Tashkent’s Request
By Catherine Putz
In 2018, Bobomurod Abdullaev walked out of jail in Uzbekistan after a surprising conclusion to a case levied against him by the state. New charges could mark a step backward.
Corruption and the Fruits of Kleptocracy: The Saga of the Karimova Sisters Continues
By Ian J. Lynch
For every international pariah like Gulnara Karimova, there are far more kleptocrats who remain free and able to indulge in the high life.
Will Tajikistan Ever Join the Eurasian Economic Union?
By Umida Hashimova
If Uzbekistan enters the EAEU, Tajikistan will have little choice but to follow.
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?
Kristian Lasslett on Uzbekistan’s Cotton Clusters Conundrum
By Catherine Putz
Privatization of the cotton sector “is in itself no silver bullet solution” for the problems of corruption and forced labor.
Why It Matters That Uzbekistan’s President Endorsed Russia’s Referendum
By Umida Hashimova
Uzbek President Mirziyoyev endorsed constitutional changes in Russia that will likely keep Putin in power for years to come, with serious implications for Central Asia.
Uzbekistan Must Stay on the Path of Religious Freedom Reform
By Nadine Maenza and Nury Turkel
Tashkent has made progress on the path toward greater religious freedom, but must remain vigilant to protect the gains it has made and continue to actively push forward.
Uzbekistan Announces Second COVID-19 Lockdown
By Catherine Putz
Uzbekistan is following Kazakhstan back into a second COVID-19 lockdown.
Assessing Corporate Integrity in Uzbekistan’s Cotton Clusters
By Catherine Putz
The landmark privatization scheme took cotton out of the government’s direct hands and placed it in private “clusters” -- but not without significant risks.
Central Asian States Take on ‘False Information’
By Catherine Putz
Laws put in place to support the fight against COVID-19 by targeting false information are easily abused to crack down on negative opinions and dissent.