Blog
Crossroads Asia
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.
Mongolia Hosts the First World Women’s Forum
By Bolor Lkhaajav
Following the 2023 female foreign ministers' meeting, Mongolia’s feminist foreign policy took another leap.
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.
Explaining South Korea’s Railway Ambitions in Central Asia
By Sophia Nina Burna-Asefi
South Korea and Tajikistan signed an agreement recently to start a feasibility study for a rail route that would connect Tajikistan via Afghanistan to routes both east and west.
Causes and Consequences of Kazakhstan’s Brain Drain
By Gulnash Askhat
Kazakhstani leaders understand the problem, but efforts to date have not achieved significant success.
High on the Silk Road: Heroin Bust in Bulgaria Implicates Kyrgyzstan
By Catherine Putz
Cargo reportedly originating in Kyrgyzstan was found to be concealing nearly 1,000 pounds of heroin when examined in a Bulgarian port.
Continuity and Change in the New Cycle of Central Asian Consultative Meetings
By Filippo Costa Buranelli
What are the key takeaways from the sixth consultative meeting of Central Asia’s presidents? And where is Central Asian regionalism heading?