Region
Central Asia
Ukraine: The View From Central Asia
By Umida Hashimova
The Central Asian states were caught off guard by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Responses have varied from silence to concern to outright support.
In Tajikistan’s Pamir Mountains, Tensions Simmer Dangerously
By Agnieszka Pikulicka-Wilczewska
“Everyone wants this nightmare to end,” a resident of Khorog told The Diplomat via phone.
Amid Anti-Corruption Drive, Tokayev Faces Questions About Offshore Wealth
By Paolo Sorbello
Kazakhstan's President Tokayev is vocal against corruption, but faces tough questions after new leaks.
How Did Kazakhstan Give Up the Bomb?
By Catherine Putz
In a new book, Togzhan Kassenova tells the complex story of Kazakhstan’s nuclear era and the decisions that brought it to an end.
Kazakhstan, Ukraine, and Russia: Unrest and Uncertainty
By Mercy A. Kuo
Insights from George Voloshin
Could a New President in Turkmenistan Provide an Opportunity for the US to Promote Reform?
By Sebastien Peyrouse
It may turn out that Serdar is just like his father, and nothing will change in Turkmenistan. But new opportunities for engagement amid leadership change are worth exploring.
Uzbekistan’s Second Wives Marry in Secret and Suffer Without Legal Protections
By Niginakhon Uralova
Polygyny is not legal in Uzbekistan, yet some men seek out second wives anyway.
Veteran Opposition Figure Resurfaces in Kazakhstan
By Paolo Sorbello
Could Bulat Abilov re-enter politics?
Turkmenistan Set for Dynastic Succession: Early Election March 12, President’s Son Running
By Catherine Putz
President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov did not explicitly state he would step down, but the implication seemed clear when he called for early elections and said it was time to open the way for "young leaders."
Uzbek Justice Ministry Sounds Alarm Over Divisive Religious Messaging
By Umida Hashimova
The Justice Ministry is alarmed about religious figures whose teachings blur the line between religion, their personal moral views, and the law.
Kyrgyz Opposition Leader in Hot Water Over a 2009 Border Deal
By Catherine Putz
A document signed in 2009 is now at the center of a scandal that has the Kyrgyz government crying treason.
Russian Ambassador to Kazakhstan Says US-NATO Steppe Eagle Exercise Will ‘No Longer Fly’
By Catherine Putz
Without directly commenting, CENTOM told The Diplomat that “plans for shared military environments involving our partners in Kazakhstan are currently underway.”