Region

Central Asia

Taking Stock of Russia-Central Asia Relations in 2024

Taking Stock of Russia-Central Asia Relations in 2024

By Ankit Panda and Catherine Putz
What do Russia and the Central Asian republics stand to gain from each other?

Russia Expands Oil Trade South via Afghanistan, Seeking Warm Water Ports

Russia Expands Oil Trade South via Afghanistan, Seeking Warm Water Ports

By Sophia Nina Burna-Asefi
Afghanistan is emerging as a key transit point for Russian oil as the Kremlin seeks to establish new trade routes to Asia and the Middle East.
Privatization in Uzbekistan: Potential Far From Fulfilled 

Privatization in Uzbekistan: Potential Far From Fulfilled 

By Bryn Windsor
While some progress has been made, foreign investors are starting to wonder if Uzbekistan’s privatization agenda will ever live up to its much-lauded potential. 

Women as Wives: How Uzbekistan’s Justice System Fails to Serve Women

Women as Wives: How Uzbekistan’s Justice System Fails to Serve Women

By Niginakhon Saida
Uzbekistan’s judicial system perceives women as wives in domestic violence cases and does not shy away from punishing them for responding to abuse.

Viral Bishimbayev Trial in Kazakhstan Ends With 24-Year Sentence

Viral Bishimbayev Trial in Kazakhstan Ends With 24-Year Sentence

By Colleen Wood
Under Kazakhstan’s hybrid jury model, jurors and the judge make a final decision together. In this case, the former minister was convicted of murdering his wife and handed a long sentence.  

Diplomatic Engagement in Central Asia on the Rise

Diplomatic Engagement in Central Asia on the Rise

By Aizada Nuriddenova and Zhanibek Arynov
The number of interactions between high-level Central Asian officials has visibly increased since 2015, from 60 interactions that year to 158 in 2023.

In Light of Photos, Kyrgyz Authorities Claim Detained Journalist Staged Her Own Bruises

In Light of Photos, Kyrgyz Authorities Claim Detained Journalist Staged Her Own Bruises

By Catherine Putz
Bolot Temirov shared photos of the bruises he says his wife, Makhabat Tajibek kyzy, sustained in a Kyrgyz detention center in April. Prison authorities say they were inflicted by cell-mates at her request.
How Authoritarian Oppression Breeds Religious Extremism in Central Asia

How Authoritarian Oppression Breeds Religious Extremism in Central Asia

By Kashif Hasan Khan and Marin Ekstrom
The overwhelmingly authoritarian governments in Central Asia have utilized severe repression against Islamist movements – extremist or not.

A Guardian of Health in the Mountains of Kyrgyzstan 

A Guardian of Health in the Mountains of Kyrgyzstan 

By WHO Country Office in Kyrgyzstan
With a particular focus on vaccination, Jiydekul Yrysbayeva plays a crucial role in safeguarding the lives of her fellow Kyrgyzstanis.

Kyrgyz President Raises Labor Mobility Issues in Moscow

Kyrgyz President Raises Labor Mobility Issues in Moscow

By Catherine Putz
At a Eurasian Economic Union meeting, sandwiched between Putin’s fifth inauguration and the nationalistic May 9 display, the Kyrgyz president raised concerns about labor mobility in the EAEU.

Opportunities Grow in South Korea for Uzbek Workers

Opportunities Grow in South Korea for Uzbek Workers

By Catherine Putz
As South Korea increasingly looks to migrant labor to address shortages in major industries, Uzbekistan is keen on providing workers.
China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan Construction to Begin in October, Kyrgyz President Says

China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan Construction to Begin in October, Kyrgyz President Says

By Catherine Putz
Sadyr Japarov reportedly said the railway will make Kyrgyzstan “a transit country for the world.” But the project is an enormous undertaking with unclear financing. 

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