Region
Central Asia
Kazakhstani Blue Helmets in Lebanon
By Wilder Alejandro Sanchez
Exploring Kazakhstan’s contribution to the UN Peacekeeping force in Lebanon, a landmark for the Central Asian state.
Kristian Lasslett on Uzbekistan’s Cotton Clusters Conundrum
By Catherine Putz
Privatization of the cotton sector “is in itself no silver bullet solution” for the problems of corruption and forced labor.
Kazakhstan’s COVID-19 Crisis Spinning on
By Catherine Putz
Kazakhstan has extended its second lockdown through the end of July and media have begun to compile lists of the dead.
Why It Matters That Uzbekistan’s President Endorsed Russia’s Referendum
By Umida Hashimova
Uzbek President Mirziyoyev endorsed constitutional changes in Russia that will likely keep Putin in power for years to come, with serious implications for Central Asia.
China Missteps With Wild Allegation of a ‘New’ Deadly Pneumonia in Kazakhstan
By Tristan Kenderdine
Fortunately for the world, there is no new plague coming out of Kazakhstan.
Misinformation and Conspiracies Spread While Kazakhstan Reimposes Lockdown
By Anastassiya Fershtey
Kazakhstan, while also seeing a rapid rise on COVID-19 cases, has been hit with a storm of conspiracy theories.
As WHO Team Arrives, Notable Pneumonia Deaths Reported in Turkmenistan
By Catherine Putz
An adviser to the Turkmen president and a Turkish diplomat have reportedly died from pneumonia this week.
How Is China’s Belt and Road Changing Central Asia?
By Roza Nurgozhayeva
To what extent does the BRI lead to the expansion of China’s institutions and legal norms in Central Asia?
Uzbekistan Must Stay on the Path of Religious Freedom Reform
By Nadine Maenza and Nury Turkel
Tashkent has made progress on the path toward greater religious freedom, but must remain vigilant to protect the gains it has made and continue to actively push forward.
Uzbekistan Announces Second COVID-19 Lockdown
By Catherine Putz
Uzbekistan is following Kazakhstan back into a second COVID-19 lockdown.
Date Set for Kyrgyzstan’s Parliamentary Election: October 4
By Catherine Putz
Amid the mire of politics and a pandemic, Kyrgyzstan is headed for a pivotal parliamentary election this fall.
Kazakhstan Locks Down, Again, as COVID-19 Cases Rise
By Catherine Putz
On Sunday, Nur-Sultan imposed a second nation-wide lockdown in hopes of getting a grip on soaring case numbers.