Region
Central Asia
Former President Atambayev Barred From His Own Trial
By Catherine Putz
The former president reportedly refused to sit in the box with the other defendants.
What’s the Impact of Turkmenistan’s COVID Delusion?
By Catherine Putz
Turkmenistan says it is COVID-19 free, but the virus, analysts say, is impacting the country whether Ashgabat admits its presence or not.
How to Talk About Feminism in Tajikistan
By Lolisanam Ulugova
Issues of feminism and gender activism in Tajik society are controversial.
US-Afghanistan-Uzbekistan Trilateral Tests Out New Format for Engagement
By Catherine Putz
The new trilateral fits into existing efforts to increase regional cooperation and integrate Afghanistan’s into Central Asian thinking.
Fed Up Kyrgyz Forge Ahead with Online Protests
By Colleen Wood
What should we make of a new digital flashmob that channels widespread discontent with Kyrgyzstan’s government?
Another Incident on the Kyrgyzstan-Tajikistan Border
By Catherine Putz
On May 24, shots were fired in the contentious border area. And reportedly again on May 27.
What’s Changed in Kazakhstan’s New Protest Law?
By Catherine Putz
There are a lot of rules for protesting in Kazakhstan; a new law branded as reform retains many restrictions.
At Eurasian Economic Union E-Summit, Tokayev Finds His Voice
By Wilder Alejandro Sanchez
Kazakh President Tokayev pushed back on Moscow’s timelines for the EAEU’s 2025 development strategy.
Can Mirziyoyev’s Reforms Bring About a Real Free Market Economy in Uzbekistan?
By Bekzod Zakirov
The hope that reforms will ultimately bring about free market capitalism with accompanying democratic politics is utmost naivety.
Post-Pandemic Central Asia: Moving Beyond ‘Helicopter Money’
By Gregory Gleason
Social and economic upheaval at such a scale as experienced amid the COVID-19 pandemic unavoidably entails political effects.
Can Uzbekistan Put the Uzbek Language First?
By Umida Hashimova
Moscow made an unprecedented comment in defense of the Russian language in Uzbekistan.
Kazakhstan-ASEAN Relations: Prospects for Greater Engagement
By Paradorn Rangsimaporn
Kazakhstan’s central role in China’s BRI and membership in the EAEU present new opportunities for stronger relations between Kazakhstan and ASEAN.