Region
Central Asia
Will We Soon See a Central Asia-US Leaders’ Summit?
By Catherine Putz
If Biden does indeed meet with the Central Asian presidents in New York on the sidelines of UNGA it will be with both Russia and China in mind.
Digitalization: How the EU Can Transform Central Asia
By Alouddin Komilov
The EU has the potential to contribute to the digital transformation of Central Asia by leveraging its comparative strengths.
Atambayev Allies Courting Diplomatic Relationships
By Colleen Wood
Kyrgyzstan’s Social Democrats have limited influence on domestic politics. What to make of their sustained push for international partnerships?
Trans-Caspian Route: Kazakhstan’s Gateway to Europe
By Rahimbek Abdrahmanov and Kamshat Zhumagulova
For Kazakhstan, in particular, the development of the Middle Corridor offers broader access to global markets.
Without Human Rights Sanctions, the World Is Normalizing China’s Genocide of Uyghurs
By Omer Kanat
Every visit by a U.S. official to China, without uttering a word about the Uyghurs, contributes to the alarming prospect of normalizing the Uyghur genocide.
The Tyranny of Fear in Tajikistan
By Catherine Putz
“Every arrest, case of torture, extrajudicial killing and kidnapping sends a signal to journalists, activists, community leaders and lawyers about the cost of challenging the regime.”
Talk of Gas Unions Riles Up Turkmenistan
By Catherine Putz
What compelled a Turkmen foreign ministry official to push back on admittedly vague comments from a Russian foreign ministry official?
2 Karakalpak Activists Denied Asylum in Kazakhstan
By Catherine Putz
The two men – and three other detained Karakalpak activists – face the potential of being deported to Uzbekistan should their appeals fail.
Kyrgyzstan’s Path to Rearmament
By Francisco Olmos
Kyrgyzstan, a Central Asian country that once wanted to do away with its armed forces, has taken significant steps to rearm itself since the deadly 2021 clashes with neighboring Tajikistan.
Russian Military Recruitment Ads Reportedly Target Kazakhstan
By Catherine Putz
Russia is reportedly looking toward its Central Asian neighbor Kazakhstan for manpower as the war in Ukraine lurches toward its 18th month.
Uzbekistan: The Tourism Destination Where LGBTQ+ Dare Not Venture
By Alva Omarova
No one should be imprisoned for who they love. Yet in Uzbekistan, the authorities engage in ongoing criminal prosecution and cruel treatment of members of the LGBTQ+ community.
The War in Ukraine Is Catalyzing a Linguistic Awakening in Kazakhstan
By Jack Leydiker
As Russian forces pursue a physical war in Ukraine, a shadow war is being fought too: a war against the legacies of Russian imperialism.