Region
Central Asia
Elections in Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan: What Next?
By Ankit Panda
A presidential election in Kyrgyzstan and a parliamentary election in Kazakhstan kick off 2021 in Central Asia.
Dariga Nazarbayeva Headed Back to Parliament
By Catherine Putz
The first president’s daughter is on the list of 76 deputies Nur Otan aims to seat in the new parliament.
Winter Energy Woes Bedevil Central Asia
By Catherine Putz
Afghanistan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan have all suffered in recent months from shortages and blackouts, their citizens experiencing cold nights and darkened lights.
Slow Anti-Americanism in Central Asia
By Catherine Putz
“U.S. power can inadvertently shift politics even in regions like Central Asia where the United States is remote.”
Why Did Kyrgyz Voters Give Up Parliamentarism?
By Mariya Y. Omelicheva
In addition to electing Sadyr Japarov to the presidency, Kyrgyz voted by a huge margin to shift back to a strong presidential government system.
Nur Otan Tops Kazakh Parliamentary Election That ‘Lacked Genuine Competition’
By Catherine Putz
The new Kazakh parliament will, at least numerically, look very much like the previous iteration.
From Prison to Presidency: Sadyr Japarov’s Victory
By Aruuke Uran Kyzy
Japarov soared past 16 other candidates with 79 percent of the vote in the January 10 election.
Why Kazakhstan’s Parliamentary Elections Matter
By Benjamin Godwin
While the result is not in doubt, the elections could mark the next stage in Kazakhstan’s ongoing transition of power.
How Damaging Was 2020 to Central Asia’s Economies?
By Catherine Putz
The January 2021 World Bank Global Economic Prospects report is out, heralding a “subdued” recovery for the world. How fares Central Asia?
A Critical Lesson for Tajikistan: The State of Migrant Workers in 2020
By Khiradmand Sheraliev
2020 was not the first time Tajikistan experienced the sharp costs of being a remittance-dependent country, but the lesson is important to heed.
Kazakh President Chimes in on ‘Gift’ Controversy
By Catherine Putz
A pair of Russian lawmakers last month said Kazakhstan’s territory was a “gift” from Russia, resurrecting an old offensive tune.
Kazakhstan-China Border Delays as Rail Freight Hedge Wobbles
By Tristan Kenderdine
A bottleneck on the Kazakh-China border has left thousands of wagons waiting to cross for weeks on end.