Region
Central Asia
Uzbekistan, Turkey Elevate Ties to a ‘Comprehensive Strategic Partnership’
By Catherine Putz
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is on a two-day visit to Uzbekistan, the latest step in the post-Karimov warming of ties.
Are Centerra and Kyrgyzstan Nearing a Deal to Split For Good?
By Catherine Putz
Nothing is set in stone, but Kyrgyzstan and Centerra Gold may be nearing the end of their long relationship.
Will the War in Ukraine Turn Russia Into an ‘Asian’ Country?
By Xiaochen Su
With Europe’s near-complete rejection of the Ukraine invasion, will Russia start to embrace a new, Asian identity?
Kazakhstan’s Oil Meets a Caspian Chokepoint
By Paolo Sorbello
Much of the oil produced in Kazakhstan transits through a pipeline across Russia, which now has shrunk output for a variety of reasons.
Economic Incentives Draw Central Asians Into Russia’s War Effort
By Umida Hashimova
Many of the Central Asians joining the Russian military are blindly responding to economic incentives, which are arguably based on half-truths.
Ethnic Central Asians Among Those Killed With the Russian Army in Ukraine
By Catherine Putz
Regional media have begun to report on the return of bodies, men born in Central Asia who took Russian citizenship over the years and ultimately died in Ukraine.
Soviet Central Asian Leaders Are Far From Gone
By Francisco Olmos
From Kunayev to Razzakov to Rashidov, Soviet-era Central Asian leaders continue to play an important role in constructing historical narratives 30 years after independence.
Press Freedom in Kyrgyzstan Is Headed in the Wrong Direction
By Miranda Patrucic
We’ve seen how important it is that citizens of a country know the truth and are exposed to more than just propaganda. Kyrgyzstan’s backsliding is deeply concerning.
As the War Continues, Ukraine Is on Kazakhstan’s Mind
By Paolo Sorbello
Ukrainian flags dotted many recent rallies in Almaty -- about issues as varied as pollution and International Women’s Day -- as people in Kazakhstan call for peace.
Tokayev Outlines ‘New Kazakhstan’ in State of the Nation Address
By Catherine Putz
In a recent speech, Kazakh President Tokayev laid out the government’s understanding of the January events and proposed a litany of reforms to achieve a “New Kazakhstan.”
What Does Russia’s Ukraine Invasion Mean for Central Asia?
Asel Doolotkeldieva, Bruce Pannier, Temur Umarov, and Colleen Wood discuss the economic, political, and diplomatic fallout for Central Asia.
A New Berdimuhamedov Will Soon Be Turkmenistan’s President
By Catherine Putz
Although all indications are that Serdar intends to follow in his father’s footsteps, Turkmenistan is politically entering uncharted waters.