Blog
Crossroads Asia
May 24, 2023
From State Repression to a Warzone: How Pamiris Ended up on the Frontline in Ukraine
By Suzanne Levi-Sanchez and Solim Nazarov
The situation draws attention to the plight of vulnerable communities and the interconnectedness of geopolitical events.
May 23, 2023
French President Emmanuel Macron Makes a Historic Visit to Mongolia
By Bolor Lkhaajav
The first visit by a French president to Mongolia was decades in the making.
May 19, 2023
In Xi’an, China’s Xi Calls for a ‘Shared Future’ With Central Asia
By Catherine Putz
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.
May 18, 2023
Lineup Set for Snap Uzbek Presidential Election
By Catherine Putz
Five parties have nominated four candidates, but only one has any chance at 'winning' Uzbekistan's July 9 snap presidential election.
May 17, 2023
Will North Korea’s Foreign Minister Visit Mongolia This Year?
By Chuluunbaataryn Sumiya
While it is unclear whether Choe Son Hui will accept Ulaanbaatar's invitation, Mongolia is preparing to celebrate the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
May 11, 2023
Turkmen President Pays Visit to Tajikistan
By Catherine Putz
Although they don’t share a border, budding autocratic dynasties Turkmenistan and Tajikistan are close political neighbors.
May 10, 2023
Kazakhstan Moves to Curtail Parallel Trade to Russia
By Catherine Putz
The cost of electronics and household appliances in Russia may increase by 10-12 percent due to new restrictions at the Kazakh border.
May 10, 2023
Central Asian Presidents Join Putin for May 9 Victory Day Parade
By Catherine Putz
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.
May 09, 2023
Kazakhstan’s Ports: A Vital Node of the Middle Corridor
By Wilder Alejandro Sánchez
While many issues are beyond Astana’s control, having modern and expanded ports will give the Middle Corridor a fighting chance at success.
May 09, 2023
Uzbekistan-Russia Energy Relations: A Tale of 2 Problems
By Sophia Nina Burna-Asefi
Despite Russia upping the ante on the gas trade, Uzbekistan still has some cards that it can play.
May 09, 2023
Upcoming China-Central Asia Summit to Offer a ‘New Blueprint’ for Relations
By Catherine Putz
Xi has prepared an "important speech" and the six leaders are expected to jointly sign an "important political document.”
May 08, 2023
Uzbek President Calls for Snap Elections
By Catherine Putz
In the wake of the constitutional referendum extending the presidential term from five to seven years, Mirziyoyev called for a new presidential election.