Region
Central Asia
US Focuses Attention on Central Asia With New Economic Initiative
By Catherine Putz
U.S. Assistant Secretary of State Donald Lu's trip to Central Asia seeks to “reinforce the United States’ commitment to each country’s independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity."
Rights Group Highlights Police Abuse in Karakalpakstan Crackdown
By Catherine Putz
Human Rights Watch says Uzbek security forces “unjustifiably” used lethal force to disperse generally peaceful demonstrators this summer.
What’s Wrong With State Capitalism in Kazakhstan?
By Rakhimbek Abdrakhmanov
If Kazakhstan wants long-term economic growth, it needs economic and political constraints and counterweights.
How Committed Are China and Russia to Their Strategic Partnership?
By Kevin Modlin and Zenel Garcia
Neither Beijing nor Moscow is willing to incur costs for the other; that puts clear limits their strategic partnership.
Kyrgyzstan’s Move to Block Radio Azattyk Is a Sign of Trouble — For the Government
By Eldiyar Arykbaev
Democratic values like freedom of the press are a bulwark that keeps Kyrgyzstan from sliding into authoritarianism.
Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan Foreign Ministers Sign Water, Border Agreements
By Catherine Putz
Despite domestic opposition in Kyrgyzstan, Bishkek and Tashkent are moving ahead with their agreements on the Kempir-Abad reservoir.
Kazakh Opposition Politician Zhanbolat Mamai Released to House Arrest
By Catherine Putz
After eight months in jail, and mounting pressure, the charges against Mamai were recently reclassified and he's been released to house arrest.
Germany Eyes Green Hydrogen Potential in Kazakhstan
By Catherine Putz
And in Uzbekistan, Berlin sees a rising regional power.
What’s Next for Russians Who Fled to Kazakhstan?
By Aliya Askar
In the early 1990s, ethnic Russians left Kazakhstan in droves. In 2022, that flow once again reversed as Russians fled into Central Asia.
To Withstand Global Shocks, Uzbekistan Needs to Continue Reforms and Build an Inclusive Market Economy
By Anna Bjerde
Uzbekistan has made impressive development gains over the past five years by relentlessly pursuing the path of market-oriented reforms.
Tajik-made Iranian Drones Are Not in Ukraine Either
By Catherine Putz
The kind of Iranian drones Tajikistan has an agreement to manufacture are not those seen in the sky over Ukraine.
Weeks After Russia-Central Asia Leaders’ Meeting, Europe Comes Calling Too
By Catherine Putz
With Ukraine in mind, the European Union is courting Central Asia, even if it means overlooking the region’s autocratic “democracies.”