Central Asia

While the hope is for the CKU route to begin construction in 2023, there remain significant challenges to realizing the railway.

The states of Central Asia were, unsurprisingly, on a recent list of possible  “transshipment points” Russia and Belarus may use to evade sanctions.

In listing an Uzbekistan-based company, the U.S. State Department has a warning: “If you do business with sanctioned entities or individuals, you risk exposure to sanctions.”

Despite past tensions, the security and economic ties between the two regions have strengthened over the past year.

Beijing might say that there's no geopolitics wrapped up in its regional engagements, but it's plain to see.

The seemingly benign commemoration of a Soviet-era youth organization speaks to bigger debates about Kyrgyzstan’s identity.

Russia's invasion of Ukraine has limited relevance for understanding the risks of a Chinese invasion of Taiwan.

The resolution to expel Russia passed, but the region’s vote against it highlights the difficulty and complexity of Central Asia's position. 

There’s a clear need for meaningful integration and cooperation in Central Asia, and public optimism for it. So what’s holding the region back?

"Everyone should be concerned," says Dr. Erica Marat, about Russia's invasion of Ukraine and Putin's wider aims.

In 2022, Central Asia was supposed to see slight growth in remittances. Thanks to Russia’s war in Ukraine, remittances are expected to drop dramatically instead.

In farming communities in Batken, rice is not just a pantry staple or cultural symbol; its planting and harvesting determines the rhythm of life.