Region
Central Asia
Nurseit Niyazbekov on Kazakhstan’s Tumultuous 2022
By Catherine Putz
It’s been a challenging year for Kazakhstan: Domestic unrest, the Russian invasion of Ukraine, a constitutional referendum, and now a snap presidential election.
What Is Happening With Sovereign Debt in Central Asia?
By Djoomart Kaipovich Otorbaev
Since the early 2000s the Central Asian republics have largely kept their debt levels stable.
Turkey’s Growing Influence in Central Asia
By Genevieve Donnellon-May
Ankara, seeking alternatives to its often tense relations with the West, sees in Central Asia many great opportunities.
Kyrgyz Security Chief Flaunts Turkish Drone Connection
By Catherine Putz
Tashiev posed recently with the latest Bayraktar Akıncı attack drone, suggesting Kyrgyzstan had added the platform to its arsenal.
Kyrgyzstan Cancels CSTO ‘Indestructible Brotherhood’ Military Exercises
By Catherine Putz
Days after Kyrgyz President Japarov skipped Russian President Putin's birthday (and an informal CIS summit), Bishkek cancelled planned CSTO exercises at the last minute.
The War in Ukraine Is Decimating Russia’s Asian Minorities
By Dan Storyev
Putin’s “partial mobilization” is continuing a brutal legacy of colonization – as well as resistance – among the country's minority groups.
CIS Gathers for Informal Summit in Russia Amid Tension, War
By Catherine Putz
The informal CIS meeting in St. Petersburg coincides with Russian President Vladimir Putin’s 70th birthday, but it won’t be much of a celebration.
Kazakhstan Headed for Election Lacking Competition
By Catherine Putz
As usual, there will be multiple names on the ballot come November 20 but only one real choice.
Tajik Journalist Abdullo Ghurbati Sentenced to 7.5 Years After Closed-Door Trial
By Catherine Putz
Half a dozen journalists in Tajikistan have been detained in the last few months in a worrying, and wide, crackdown on media in the country.
Final Hurdles to Settling the Kyrgyz-Uzbek Border: Local Opposition
By Catherine Putz
Outside the Kyrgyz president's recent meeting with residents in Uzgen, villagers reportedly held signs reading “It is better to give life than land!”
Are Central Asians Being Conscripted by Russia to Fight in Ukraine?
By Catherine Putz
Moscow denies that Central Asians are being conscripted into the Russian military, but the risk is real.
Economic Resilience in Central Asia Amid Russian War in Ukraine
By Catherine Putz
On the back of high remittances and oil and gas revenues, the outlook for Central Asia’s economies has improved. But it’s not all good news.