Region
Central Asia
Kazakhstan Keeps Discussion of Political Repression Firmly in the Past
By Catherine Putz
Kazakh President Tokayev said in tweet that it was the “duty” of all to “learn the terrible lessons of the past and do everything possible so that such events do not happen again in the future.” What about the present?
War and Migration: Central Asian Migrant Worker Flows Amid the Ukraine Conflict
By Catherine Putz
The same circumstances that do not dissuade Tajik migrants from heading to Russia drive some Russians toward Kyrgyzstan and beyond.
New Wave Authoritarianism in Kyrgyzstan
By Haley Zehrung
Sadyr Japarov represents a shift from old-school authoritarianism to new-wave methods of consolidating illiberal, autocratic power under the guise of popular support.
Anatomy of a Sausage Scandal in Kyrgyzstan
By Colleen Wood
Industrialized meat processing is inherently a messy business. In Kyrgyzstan, the politics of regulating the food supply and flows of trade can be just as messy.
From State Repression to a Warzone: How Pamiris Ended up on the Frontline in Ukraine
By Suzanne Levi-Sanchez and Solim Nazarov
The situation draws attention to the plight of vulnerable communities and the interconnectedness of geopolitical events.
Karakalpakstan’s Sovereignty in Mirziyoyev’s Uzbekistan
By Catherine Putz
Karakalpakstan has a constitutional right to secede from Uzbekistan via referendum, but calling for such a vote results in immense pressure and often prison terms.
A New China-Central Asia ‘Blueprint’?
By Ankit Panda and Catherine Putz
What's driving China's outreach to Central Asia in 2023?
In Xi’an, China’s Xi Calls for a ‘Shared Future’ With Central Asia
By Catherine Putz
The summit produced the clearest iteration of Chinese interests in and commitments to Central Asia to date, but there's no "new blueprint" for relations.
Lineup Set for Snap Uzbek Presidential Election
By Catherine Putz
Five parties have nominated four candidates, but only one has any chance at 'winning' Uzbekistan's July 9 snap presidential election.
Turkmen President Pays Visit to Tajikistan
By Catherine Putz
Although they don’t share a border, budding autocratic dynasties Turkmenistan and Tajikistan are close political neighbors.
Kazakhstan Moves to Curtail Parallel Trade to Russia
By Catherine Putz
The cost of electronics and household appliances in Russia may increase by 10-12 percent due to new restrictions at the Kazakh border.
Central Asian Presidents Join Putin for May 9 Victory Day Parade
By Catherine Putz
It is difficult to disentangle the political choices made by Central Asian leaders to attend Moscow’s parade this year from the ongoing war in Ukraine.