Analytics

Analytics on Central Asia are relevant for a young region that is still experiencing a period of its development. The section is a source of information for a wide range of readers interested in socio-political processes, issues of regional security and economic development, as well as foreign policy in the countries of Central Asia.

Semipalatinsk test site: the legacy of the past, hopes for the future?

Researchers say that it is extremely important to take into account the voices and opinions of the local population when developing a socio-economic development strategy at the former Semipalatinsk nuclear test site and in the newly formed Abay region. (more…)

Mukhtar Amanbaiuly

08.07.24

New Balance of Power in the European Parliament: Implications for Central Asia

The results of the European Parliament elections could be pivotal for the future of the European Union (EU) and its relations with Central Asian countries, conclude Eldaniz Gusseinov, an expert at the Heydar Aliyev Center for Eurasian Studies at Ibn Khaldun University, and independent analyst Sergey Marinin. Amid rising conservative sentiments among EU citizens, centrist parties are increasingly adopting right-wing agendas. This article examines how the new composition of the European Parliament and the potential rise of right-wing parties could reshape the EU’s foreign policy towards Central Asia. Through case studies of EU member states where right-wing politicians have gained power, we explore the impact on their Central Asian policies. Additionally, we delve into the economic trends driving the EU’s growing engagement with the region.

(more…)

Eldaniz Gusseinov

06.06.24

The Future of Central Asian Integration in the Shadow of U.S.-China Confrontation

Experts Eldaniz Gusseinov of the Heydar Aliyev Center for Eurasian Studies at Ibn Khaldun University and Abakhon Sultonazarov, Regional Director for Central Asia at IWPR, delve into how the U.S. and China are shaping their strategies in Central Asia. They highlight a distinct shift where Central Asian nations are increasingly allowing external powers to guide their institutional processes. The analysis points to significant consequences for the region’s autonomy and its path towards integration, underscoring the importance of recognizing local interests and fostering internal unity to bolster a collective regional stance.

(more…)

Eldaniz Gusseinov

24.04.24

Central Asia’s Critical Raw Materials: The Next Frontier in Global Power Rivalry?

Eldaniz Gusseinov of the Ibn Khaldun University’s Heydar Aliyev Center for Eurasian Studies, alongside Abakhon Sultonazarov, IWPR Central Asia Regional Director, contend that the interplay between Central Asia’s ties with the West and China signals the onset of a resource rivalry. Following the upheaval in Ukraine and the ensuing global realignment, the West’s quest for rare earth metals has intensified, aiming to curtail its reliance on Russia and China. Yet, as Western nations pivot to renewables to lessen their dependency on Russian hydrocarbons, they grapple with the potential of becoming more dependent on China, a dominant force in the renewable sector. Central Asia emerges as a pivotal player amidst this, blessed with vast, yet largely untapped, mineral wealth, thereby positioning the region at the heart of the burgeoning competition for essential resources.

(more…)

Eldaniz Gusseinov

03.04.24

The terrorist attack in Moscow suburbs puts Tajikistan in a difficult choice

Tajikistanis are losing Russia as a country that has been a place of work for many of them for many years. The situation for migrants has been deteriorating for the past few years, but the terrorist attack in the Moscow region has accelerated these events incredibly. (more…)

Marat Mamadshoev

01.04.24

Compulsory voting in Kyrgyzstan: Democratic Duty or Infringement of Freedom?

The practice of compulsory participation in voting threatens negative consequences, according to human rights defender Akylai Tenizbaeva. In her opinion, it will lead to an increase in irrational voting and corruption.

(more…)

Akylai Tenizbaeva

26.03.24

Maximizing the benefits to the nation from government scholarships for international education in Kazakhstan

This policy brief presents the key findings and recommendations from a study of government scholarship programs for international education in Kazakhstan. (more…)

Dilrabo Jonbekova

19.03.24

Personnel policy and criteria for assessing the performance of civil servants in Tajikistan

Tajikistan lacks a transparent personnel policy for the appointment of civil servants, according to Marat Mamadshoev, editor-in-chief of IWPR Tajikistan. In his opinion, it is particularly important to develop clear and verifiable criteria for assessing the performance of civil servants. (more…)

Marat Mamadshoev

14.03.24

University-industry partnerships in Kazakhstan

This policy brief presents evidence from a study that examined university-industry partnerships in Kazakhstan. The research explored how, and in what ways, universities and industry collaborate; and how current and future partnerships might be improved. More specifically, the study investigated the benefits and challenges of university collaborations with industry, and identified the supporting factors and potential barriers to developing effective and sustainable university-industry partnerships. (more…)

Dilrabo Jonbekova

13.03.24

Youth involvement in climate issues in Kazakhstan and Tajikistan: illusion or reality?

Government agencies in Central Asian countries and international organizations that deal with environmental issues, especially climate change, do not sufficiently take into account the opinions of young environmentalists, according to young experts from Tajikistan and Kazakhstan, Anisa Abibulloyeva and Mukhtar Amanbayuly.

Analytics

The experts