Kyrgyzstan

Kolbaev’s death was a sudden end to a long, infamous, career of escaping the law both internationally and within Kyrgyzstan.

Discussions have resumed in Kyrgyzstan’s parliament over a proposed “foreign representatives” bill reminiscent of Russia’s “foreign agents” law. 

The drama around the Madumarov matter obscures the lack of tangible progress by the Japarov administration in coming to an agreement on the border with Tajikistan. 

Kusturizatsia means, literally, “vomiting.” Under the practice, corrupt individuals can repay a fraction of stolen proceeds to the state and then go about their business. Who knows where the money goes?

FC Barcelona visited Kyrgyzstan to inaugurate two new football academies. Japarov is touchy about investigations into how the schools are funded.

The Kyrgyz media outlet, known for its reporting on corruption, is under pressure once again for publishing materials “aimed at sharply criticizing the policies of the current government.”

Ownership of four lakeside resorts built during the Soviet period is another facet of water diplomacy in Central Asia. 

Kyrgyzstan’s Social Democrats have limited influence on domestic politics. What to make of their sustained push for international partnerships?

Kyrgyzstan, a Central Asian country that once wanted to do away with its armed forces, has taken significant steps to rearm itself since the deadly 2021 clashes with neighboring Tajikistan. 

As Bishkek announces a three-year energy emergency, newly announced Chinese energy projects provide some hope – but when, and at what cost?

Debts to China influence the domestic policies of Central Asia’s countries; Kyrgyzstan is a prime example.

Some worry that the push for matronymics, the use of a second name derived from a person’s mother rather than their father, has enabled a concentration of presidential power.