Kyrgyzstan

Some travel restrictions remain due to COVID-19, but Kyrgyzstan is no longer subject to a direct U.S. visa ban.

Sadyr Japarov’s rise to power and a return to presidentialism demonstrate the limits of democracy promotion in Kyrgyzstan.

A presidential election in Kyrgyzstan and a parliamentary election in Kazakhstan kick off 2021 in Central Asia.

“U.S. power can inadvertently shift politics even in regions like Central Asia where the United States is remote.”

In addition to electing Sadyr Japarov to the presidency, Kyrgyz voted by a huge margin to shift back to a strong presidential government system. 

Japarov soared past 16 other candidates with 79 percent of the vote in the January 10 election.

The January 2021 World Bank Global Economic Prospects report is out, heralding a “subdued” recovery for the world. How fares Central Asia?

Four opposition candidates, in anticipation of a second round run-off for the presidency, have pledged to unite behind a single candidate. But Sadyr Japarov is the favorite to win in the first round.

How did I do on my outlook for Central Asia 2020? (Spoiler: I didn't know there'd be a pandemic)

When asked in early December which politicians they trusted, 48 percent of surveyed Kyrgyz said Sadyr Japarov -- 31 percent said they trusted no politicians.

Why bother analyzing elections in Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan if we think we know the results?

Will the Biden administration finally end the U.S. presence in Afghanistan?