Region
Central Asia
After Spectacles in Karakalpak Civilian Trials, Uzbek Authorities Sentence 3 Law Enforcement Officers With Little Fanfare
By Catherine Putz
When civilians were put on trial in relation to the Karakalpakstan unrest, their names were known, their faces splattered across the media. We only have initials for the three law enforcement officers tried.
The Hujra Phenomenon: How Do Uzbekistan’s Children Learn About Islam?
By Niginakhon Saida
The apparently increasing number of hujra, clandestine religious classrooms, in Uzbekistan indicates a growing need for formal religious education that is not attainable for many at present.
Kyrgyzstan Declares an Energy Emergency and Looks to China for Support
By Catherine Putz
As Bishkek announces a three-year energy emergency, newly announced Chinese energy projects provide some hope – but when, and at what cost?
Kyrgyzstan’s Path to Peak Repayments to China: Context and Dilemmas
By Nargiza Muratalieva
Debts to China influence the domestic policies of Central Asia’s countries; Kyrgyzstan is a prime example.
What Fate Awaits Russians Detained in Central Asia, Awaiting Extradition?
By Catherine Putz
In one case, both the U.S. and Russia want a Russian citizen extradited, putting the states of Central Asia once again in the middle of a geopolitical mess.
Kyrgyzstan Opens the Door to Matronymics Amid Pushback – and a Power Grab?
By Colleen Wood
Some worry that the push for matronymics, the use of a second name derived from a person’s mother rather than their father, has enabled a concentration of presidential power.
A Cold War-Era Amendment is Preventing a Deepening of U.S. Relations With Central Asia
By Chris Murphy
The U.S. has an opportunity to offer Central Asia a strategic alternative to China and Russia based on partnership rather than exploitation. The Jackson-Vanik amendment stands in the way.
How to Increase Green Finance Inflows in Central Asia
By Nikolai Podguzov
With domestic policy changes, and robust external support, the region could push itself toward a net-zero future.
The Cost of Uzbekistan’s ‘Pragmatic’ Taliban Policy
By Shanthie Mariet D’Souza
Tashkent’s approach to the Taliban has shifted over the years, with the latest swing moving it toward more direct engagement.
Central Asia Update: US Sanctions on Kyrgyz Firms, and the Wagner Rebellion
By Ankit Panda and Catherine Putz
The U.S. sanctioned Kyrgyz firms for bypassing sanctions on Russia. What are the implications?
As Focus on Sanctions Evasion in Kyrgyzstan Intensifies, Government Promises Action
By Catherine Putz
As consequences loom, Kyrgyz officials have moved quickly to acknowledge, rather than deny, allegations of sanctions evasion and promise action.
The Indo-Pacific Strategy’s Missing Continental Dimension
By Naoki Nihei and Marin Ekstrom
Anxiety over the rise of China and the authoritarian threat to the liberal democratic order has driven a maritime-heavy strategy. But don’t forget about the Eurasian landmass.