Tag
Turkmenistan

Russia’s Putin Makes First Trip Abroad Since Invasion, to Tajikistan and Turkmenistan
By Catherine Putz
The warm welcome in Dushanbe and meetings around the Caspian table in Ashgabat were a chance for Putin to reaffirm his network of partners at a critical moment.

Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov’s Economic Legacy
By Merdan Amanov
What was the state of the Turkmen economy during Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov’s presidency?

Will Turkmenistan Join the World Trade Organization?
By Merdan Amanov
Ashgabat formally applied for WTO membership in late 2021. What will it take for Turkmenistan to gain membership?

Turkmenistan Takes Policing Women’s Bodies to the Next Level
By Akja Kepderi
In April, Turkmen authorities began cracking down on salons, enforcing a ban on a range of beauty services.

A New Berdimuhamedov Will Soon Be Turkmenistan’s President
By Catherine Putz
Although all indications are that Serdar intends to follow in his father’s footsteps, Turkmenistan is politically entering uncharted waters.

Turkmenistan Will Get a New President on March 12. Will It Matter?
By Catherine Putz
Will a change in president mean a change in leadership? And even if so, can that change in leadership measurably affect the challenges Turkmenistan faces?

Could a New President in Turkmenistan Provide an Opportunity for the US to Promote Reform?
By Sebastien Peyrouse
It may turn out that Serdar is just like his father, and nothing will change in Turkmenistan. But new opportunities for engagement amid leadership change are worth exploring.

Turkmenistan Set for Dynastic Succession: Early Election March 12, President’s Son Running
By Catherine Putz
President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov did not explicitly state he would step down, but the implication seemed clear when he called for early elections and said it was time to open the way for "young leaders."

EU-Central Asia Economic Forum: Is Central Asia Ready for More Assertive EU Policy?
By Katrina Keegan
At the EU-Central Asia Economic Forum, the EU kept its rhetoric uncontroversial. However, Central Asian countries signaled they may respond well to more ambitious EU goals.

Turkmenistan and the WHO, a Delicate Dance
By Catherine Putz
At the end of the day the WHO has to deal with Turkmenistan as it is. That doesn't mean sharp critiques of both aren't also necessary.

A COVID-19 Loan for COVID-Denying Turkmenistan
By Lorena Cotza
The World Bank approved a COVID-19 loan for Turkmenistan, despite journalists reporting on the pandemic there being thrown in jail.

3rd Meeting of Central Asian Leaders: A Small Step Toward the Formation of a Regional Order?
By Filippo Costa Buranelli
Presidential meetings in Central Asia are often dismissed for a lack of concrete results and for their exclusively ceremonial character. But there are good reasons to take the latest meeting seriously.

Afghanistan and Central Asia’s ASEAN Moment
By Moez Hayat
The Central Asian republics can learn from the experience of Southeast Asia and use the crisis in Afghanistan to spur forward regional cooperation at a time of great power competition.

Central Asian Leaders Set to Meet in Turkmenistan for Third Consultative Meeting
By Catherine Putz
Following summits in 2018 and 2019, the 2021 meeting comes amid a great number of regional difficulties and concerns.

Weightlifter Guryeva Wins Turkmenistan’s 1st Olympic Medal
By James Ellingsworth
The silver medal is Turkmenistan’s first since independence in 1991.

Serdar Berdimuhamedov and Turkmenistan’s Digital Transformation
By Rustam Muhamedov
As the Turkmen president’s son continues his tour of top government positions, digitalization remains a critical priority for the regime.

Explaining the Evolution of Turkmenistan’s Assembly Bodies
By Rustam Muhamedov
Power consolidation and the institutional transformations of Turkmenistan’s assembly bodies.

Europe’s Troubling Turkmenistan Engagement
By Jade McGlynn and Luke Rawlings
If they are concerned that “democracy is in retreat,” the U.K. and other leading European democracies might want to consider their own retrograde roles in the process.

Turkic Council Sets Sights on Upgrade Rooted in Economic Connectivity Projects
By Umida Hashimova
The Turkic Council aims to grow its political and economic significance.

Which Central Asian Students Can Return to Russia to Study?
By Catherine Putz
Tajik students, for now, are not among those being allowed to return to their studies in Russia.

Son of Turkmenistan’s President Gets New Post
By Catherine Putz
Serdar Berdimuhamedov will be joining the Cabinet of Ministers, another step on the road to a dynasty.

Taliban Visit Turkmenistan, Promise (Again) to Protect TAPI
By Catherine Putz
TAPI has long been hailed as a monumentally important project – but it's unclear whether it will ever be built.

Third Central Asian Leaders’ Meeting Postponed to 2021: Why It Matters
By Akram Umarov
Postponing what was supposed to become a regular forum for the leaders of Central Asia to gather together is not a good idea.

Educating Central Asia, From Soviet Collapse to COVID-19
By Catherine Putz
Vasila Bozichaeva and Emma Sabzalieva explain the development of Central Asia's education systems, and the current challenges faced.