Region
Central Asia
Russia’s Losing Bet on China in a Post-COVID World
By Nicholas Trickett
China’s economic maturation into a consumer economy is a gut punch to Russia’s economic model.
What a New High-Speed Railway Tells Us About Kazakhstan-Uzbekistan Relations
By Umida Hashimova
The new project serves as another testament to the strengthening relations between the two countries.
Lack of Transparency Marks Kyrgyzstan’s Constitutional Reform Quest
By Colleen Wood
Kyrgyzstan’s new president wants to open a “new page in history” with constitutional reform, but what exactly will it look like?
Japarov Sworn in as Kyrgyz President, Promising Prosperity and a ‘Dictatorship of Law’
By Catherine Putz
“Our goal is to create a society with a dictatorship of the law, where justice and prosperity reign,” Japarov said in his inaugural remarks
Matraimov Corruption Trial to Begin February 3
By Catherine Putz
Will Japarov’s economic amnesty allow Matraimov to avoid jail time?
If Only It Were That Easy: Tajikistan Declares Itself COVID-19 Free
By Catherine Putz
The Tajik president commented that “Tajikistan today is without COVID-19" -- close regional observers (and common sense) disagree.
Why Kazakhstan Joined New Investment Partnership With Uzbekistan, US
By Wilder Alejandro Sanchez
Kazakhstan is working toward a more diversified economy.
The Taxman Cometh for Kazakh NGOs
By Catherine Putz
In January so far, four Kazakh NGOs have been fined and suspended by the state's tax authorities -- a convenient cover for political repression.
Uzbekistan Takes Further Steps Toward Eurasian Economic Union
By Umida Hashimova
Tashkent’s 2021 strategy directs several government agencies to align with a number of EAEU regulations.
In Lifting Trump Travel Bans, Biden Removes Visa Restrictions on Kyrgyzstan
By Catherine Putz
Some travel restrictions remain due to COVID-19, but Kyrgyzstan is no longer subject to a direct U.S. visa ban.
Murky Waters Surround the Case of the Sardoba Reservoir Failure
By Catherine Putz
A trial is ongoing, but behind closed doors, while citizens complain of unfair distribution of promised compensation.
Should Europe Worry About Kyrgyzstan?
By Ana-Maria Anghelescu
Sadyr Japarov’s rise to power and a return to presidentialism demonstrate the limits of democracy promotion in Kyrgyzstan.