Region
Central Asia
Central Asia’s Strategic Insecurity in a Turbulent World
By Sardor Allayarov
Can Central Asian states continue their multi-vector diplomacy, or will they be forced to choose between the U.S. and China?
Tajikistan Decriminalizes ‘Likes’ Online
By Catherine Putz
A 2018 amendment had opened the door to criminal prosecution, and up to 15 years in jail, for “liking” or reacting online with an emoji to content deemed to be extremist.
Risk and Reward in Central Asia’s Critical Raw Materials Boom
By Nazerke Mukhamediya and Dana Ubaidolla
As Brussels, Beijing, Moscow, and Washington scramble to secure key materials for clean energy and new tech, they have begun to size up the region's potential.
Central Asian Conference of Women Journalists Abruptly Cancelled in Dushanbe
By Kulobiddin Norov
While it is unclear who stands behind the push to cancel the event, it is another sign of the deterioration of press freedom in the region.
Kazakhstan’s Slow Shift Away From Celebrating Victory Day
By Albert Otkjær
While the Soviet victory in World War II 80 years ago is still celebrated today, its form has changed to be less about Soviet heritage, and more about Kazakh national identity.
Uzbekistan and Afghanistan: A New Era of Limited Recognition
By Islomkhon Gafarov, Hamza Boltaev, and Bobur Mingyasharov
Uzbekistan’s current Afghanistan policy appears to be inching toward greater practical cooperation with its “circumstantial” partner, the Taliban government.
20 Years Since Andijan, Remembering Past Abuses in Uzbekistan
By Mihra Rittmann
Addressing the lack of accountability for past human rights abuses, including the 2005 Andijan massacre, has not been high on the current government’s agenda.
Russian Pressure and Kazakhstan’s Embattled Civil Society
By Henry De Jong
Astana’s balancing act is becoming ever more precarious, with civil society caught in the crossfire at a moment when its voice is needed most.
When Development Finance Does More Harm than Good: The Case of Indorama Agro in Uzbekistan
By Lynn Schweisfurth, Caitlin Daniel, and Nina Lesikhina
In January 2025, Indorama Agro abruptly prepaid its loans and walked away from its contractual obligation to implement the EBRD’s E&S standards in Uzbekistan.
The Dimash Phenomenon: Kazakhstan’s Soft Power
By Zhengisbek Tolen and Zhangeldi Agybay
By promoting Kazakh music, enhancing international relations, boosting tourism, and leveraging digital influence, Dimash Qudaibergen has assumed a pivotal role in Kazakhstan’s soft power strategy.
PACE Issues Declaration on Afghan Women in Central Asia
By Wilder Alejandro Sánchez
Members of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe recently signed a declaration noting the dire situation of Afghan women and girls, some of whom are in Central Asia receiving education.
Russian Raids Target Central Asians in Cafes, Bathhouses
By Catherine Putz
Central Asian governments have been meek in the face of Moscow's repeated targeting of the region’s citizens.
Page 1 of 166