Central Asia

After a dozen years, the Cotton Campaign has finally announced the end of its pledge, signed by 331 brands and retailers, to boycott Uzbek cotton on account of forced labor.

Tokayev’s “new Kazakhstan” is much less in sync with Russia, as illustrated by the country’s response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has had wide-ranging effects across the Indo-Pacific. The hosts discuss the consequences.

Will a change in president mean a change in leadership? And even if so, can that change in leadership measurably affect the challenges Turkmenistan faces?

In 2022, Central Asia was supposed to see slight growth in remittances. Thanks to Russia’s war in Ukraine, remittances are expected to drop dramatically instead.

The allowing of a rally in support of Ukraine contrasts sharply with the lack of permission granted last month for a rally to commemorate the victims of the January unrest in Kazakhstan.

All of us who have our liberty must do better in ending the nightmares of people under assault, wherever they are.

Does Kazakhstan owe Russia a “debt” for Moscow’s help in January? And what should we make of Kazakhstan’s neutral position on the unfolding conflict in Ukraine?

Putin’s push for restoring Moscow’s past glories could very well bring about its further demise: not just in Europe but also in Central Asia. 

In farming communities in Batken, rice is not just a pantry staple or cultural symbol; its planting and harvesting determines the rhythm of life.

Several bloggers have been deprived of their liberty because they used social media platforms to air criticisms in Uzbekistan.

De-Nazarbayevification continues with the renaming of the ruling Nur Otan party to “Amanat.”