Central Asia

Sadyr Japarov represents a shift from old-school authoritarianism to new-wave methods of consolidating illiberal, autocratic power under the guise of popular support.

Industrialized meat processing is inherently a messy business. In Kyrgyzstan, the politics of regulating the food supply and flows of trade can be just as messy. 

The situation draws attention to the plight of vulnerable communities and the interconnectedness of geopolitical events.

Karakalpakstan has a constitutional right to secede from Uzbekistan via referendum, but calling for such a vote results in immense pressure and often prison terms.

What's driving China's outreach to Central Asia in 2023?

The summit produced the clearest iteration of Chinese interests in and commitments to Central Asia to date, but there's no "new blueprint" for relations.

Five parties have nominated four candidates, but only one has any chance at 'winning' Uzbekistan's July 9 snap presidential election.

Although they don’t share a border, budding autocratic dynasties Turkmenistan and Tajikistan are close political neighbors.

The cost of electronics and household appliances in Russia may increase by 10-12 percent due to new restrictions at the Kazakh border.

It is difficult to disentangle the political choices made by Central Asian leaders to attend Moscow’s parade this year from the ongoing war in Ukraine.

While many issues are beyond Astana’s control, having modern and expanded ports will give the Middle Corridor a fighting chance at success.

Despite Russia upping the ante on the gas trade, Uzbekistan still has some cards that it can play.