Region
Central Asia
Kazakhstan Sets Date for Nuclear Power Plant Referendum
By Catherine Putz
The question – “Do you agree with the construction of a nuclear power plant in Kazakhstan?” – will be put to voters on October 6.
Finding Home in Bishkek: Kyrgyzstan’s South Asian Expats
By Jessica Sims and Haley Zehrung
The May mob violence targeting South Asian students in Kyrgyzstan’s capital was deeply jarring for the community of Indian and Pakistani expats that have made Bishkek their home.
Sri Lanka’s Central Asia Gambit
By Uditha Devapriya
Why is an Indian Ocean island state making a concerted effort to build ties in landlocked Central Asia?
US Transferring Afghan Aircraft to Uzbek Control
By Catherine Putz
The ultimate fate of the 46 Afghan aircraft that fled the country and landed in Uzbekistan as the Republic collapsed in 2021 isn’t surprising, but the Taliban remain steadfast in opposition.
Upcoming Parliamentary Elections in Uzbekistan: A New Electoral System With an Old Approach?
By Otabek Akromov and Bekzod Zakirov
Without genuine political freedom and fully open discourse, attempts at political reform in Uzbekistan may struggle to gain traction.
Enhancing the Effectiveness of Kazakhstan’s Civil Service Through International Cooperation
By Bakhtykul Zhunissova
A recent survey of Kazakh civil servants reveals gaps in training and career development. Fostering greater international collaboration could play a critical role in addressing these challenges.
Kyrgyzstan Considers Fines for Spreading ‘False Information’
By Catherine Putz
Bishkek is barreling down a slippery slope, with a history of judging as “false” reports the government simply doesn’t like the tone of.
Human Rights Watch Report Highlights Unjustified ‘Financing Terrorism’ Restrictions in Kazakhstan
By Catherine Putz
Any conviction under Kazakhstan’s broad extremism statutes lands an individual on the Financing Terrorism List – even if their alleged crime was merely supporting an opposition political party.
Uzbekistan’s Tightrope Between Individual Religious Expression and Secular Governance
By Niginakhon Saida
As Islamic practices rise in Uzbekistan, authorities do their best to maintain a secular public sphere.
Afghanistan Under the Taliban: 3 Years On
By Ankit Panda and Catherine Putz
How have states chosen to engage the Taliban-led government in Afghanistan three years later?
A ‘Coordinated Silence’ in Central Asia Amid Ukraine’s Kursk Incursion
By Otabek Akromov
Russia finds itself increasingly isolated in its conflict in Ukraine, with its allies, both within and outside the CSTO extending neither military nor political support.
Uzbekistan Forges Ahead, Deepening Relations With Taliban-ruled Afghanistan
By Catherine Putz
Amid a recent visit by Uzbekistan’s prime ministers, the two sides signed $2.5 billion in trade and investment deals.