Central Asia

Putin undoubtedly seeks to preserve the status quo in Russia’s relations with Kazakhstan. And Tokayev continues implementing Astana’s decades-old multi-vector foreign policy.

Continued dialogue between countries from Europe, the Caucasus, and Central Asia suggests that the political climate in the region is changing.

U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs Donald Lu heads to Uzbekistan and India next. 

Over the course of two days, six people were indicted in New York for a pair of sanctions evasion schemes, including one Tajik-Russian resident of Brooklyn.

Workers’ rights and safety have been routinely neglected both by private companies and the state, resulting in tragedies like the fire that killed 46 miners last month.

One elephant in the room, of course, will be the subject of sanctions evasion. 

"While it is undeniable that Mirziyoyev’s Uzbekistan is less paranoid, much freer and tolerant than Karimov’s... the very nature of the system remains unchanged."

It appears a purge is underway, as Tashiev decries the corrupt in Kyrgyzstan. 

While Western governments opt to wait out the crisis in Afghanistan, a unique opportunity arises as Central Asian states, in particular Uzbekistan, choose a pragmatic route. 

Solidarity with and concerns about Palestine are not a new development among Uzbeks, but there have been a variety of responses to the escalating conflict in the Middle East.

France's strategic moves in Central Asia, exemplified by Macron's recent visit to Uzbekistan, are driven by myriad factors.

Extradition proceedings may be paused for now, but the final outcome remains unclear.