Region
Central Asia
Kazakhstan’s Rule of Law Struggles on the International Stage
By Catherine Putz
Kazakhstan's recalcitrant response to international arbitration belies its claims to be a friendly destination for investment.
Tajikistan’s Catch-22: Foreign Investment and Sovereignty Risks
By Bob Rehorst and Wouter Kuijl
How ineffective foreign investment and corrupt state elites pose a threat to the sovereignty of Central Asia’s poorest nation.
What’s in Kazakhstan’s 2025 Development Plan?
By Wilder Alejandro Sanchez
On the road to 2050, Nur-Sultan aims to diversify its economy and develop new industries.
Border Issue Tops Agenda in Kyrgyz State Visit to Uzbekistan
By Umida Hashimova
In the Kyrgyz president’s first state visit to Uzbekistan earlier this month, border issues topped the agenda.
Concerns Swirl Around Kyrgyzstan’s Draft Constitution: Presidential Power, Judicial Independence, and Civil Society
By Catherine Putz
In a joint legal opinion, the OSCE and Venice Commission raise serious concerns about Kyrgyzstan's draft constitution, up for a vote on April 11.
‘It Happens Every Day, to Everyone’: Street Harassment in Uzbekistan
By Munisa Abdullaeva
A majority of girls in Uzbekistan have experienced some form of street harassment, from catcalls to physical assault.
BP Declined to Dive Back into Kazakh Oil Fields
By Catherine Putz
Last week, KazMunayGas published a letter sent by BP in October 2020 backing out of negotiations as the company looks to focus on renewables.
Rethinking Britain’s Central Asia Strategy
By Jade McGlynn
The U.K. needs to think more ambitiously – and more coherently – about its own capabilities and objectives in Central Asia.
Kazakhstan v. Alnur Ilyashev: Punishing Dissent in Ways Old and New
By Catherine Putz
Repression via technical glitch - that’s new.
Kyrgyz President Japarov Touches Down in Tashkent
By Catherine Putz
Following recent visits to Russia and Kazakhstan, new Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov is in Uzbekistan for a state visit.
Feminist Activists Take to the Streets in Kazakhstan
By Paolo Sorbello
Hundreds of activists and sympathizers took part in a march for women’s rights in Almaty.
Kyrgyzstan Expected to Greenlight Controversial Constitutional Referendum
By Catherine Putz
The referendum, the second this year, is likely to be set for April 11.