Region
Central Asia
Afghanistan-Iran Complete First Trial Run of Khaf-Herat Railway
By Sophia Nina Burna-Asefi
The two countries, faced with sanctions and political isolation, are not completely isolated from global networks.
Kyrgyz Opposition Leader Madumarov Again Under Pressure
By Catherine Putz
For the second time in just over a year, Kyrgyzstan’s prosecutor general has sought to strip opposition politician Adakhan Madumarov’s immunity so he can be prosecuted.
Could ‘Chicky Cha-Cha Boom-Boom’ Become Kyrgyzstan’s Soft Power Motto?
By Colleen Wood
Much of what is written about soft power in Central Asia focuses on countries like Kyrgyzstan as passive recipients of Russian, Chinese, and American cultural influence. D Billions may flip the script.
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.