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.

“The border between the two countries is considered a paradise of solar and wind potential both for Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan. Developing solar and wind parks and coupling them with green hydrogen facilities can create joint renewable energy communities, where collaboration among people can bring shared business models and generate revenue”, – writes analyst Dimitris Simeonidis, exclusively for CABAR.asia. (more…)

“For the national culture and language, such a mass migration of Russians may be a threat of re-Russification and further strengthening of Russia’s position in the region. Given the difficult historical past of countries that, through the fault of the Soviet government and imperial Russia, experienced famine, genocide, and repressions of the best citizens of the country, some of the indigenous people of Central Asia will be dissatisfied with the arrival of Russians,” Kanat Nogoibaev, an analyst from Kyrgyzstan, notes in an article, written specifically for CABAR.asia. (more…)

The SCO Summit in Samarkand, the military conflict between Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan, another early presidential election in Kazakhstan, growing tensions of Russian invasion of Ukraine, relations with Iran and India – these are some of the topics from Central Asia that were on the foreign press agenda this September. (more…)

05.10.22
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“Since there seemed an informal regional consensus this time to engage the Taliban 2.0, India similarly reoriented its policy towards Taliban ruled Afghanistan from estrangement to cautious engagement”, – writes Raj Kumar Sharma, Maharishi Kanad Post-Doc Fellow, Delhi School of Transnational Affairs, (University of Delhi, India), exclusively for CABAR.asia.


(more…)

Experts on Central Asia share opinions about the angles in which they see the armed conflict on the border between Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan that took place on September 14-17, 2022. How can this conflict affect projects within the SCO and regional cooperation? What peacebuilding mechanisms can Astana and Tashkent offer? – these questions are discussed in an article, specially for CABAR.asia. (more…)

22.09.22
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“Since Uzbekistan and Georgia are located in geostrategically vital regions – Central Asia and South Caucasus, efforts of both countries to implement major transport and communication projects will serve for interregional connectivity and for the benefit of all interested countries”, – notes Farrukh Khakimov (Uzbekistan), participant of the CABAR.asia School of Analysts 2021. (more…)

July 2022 was rich with political events in Central Asia: analytical materials included the topics of the countries’ balancing act between Russia and the West, security and human rights concerns, mass protests, and the IV Consultative meeting of the Heads of State of Central Asia. (more…)

02.08.22
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“An unprecedented growth of the role of religion in the life of society is taking place in Kyrgyzstan, which requires the state to take new approaches to building relationships between the state and religion”, mentioned political scientist Arsen Usenov, in an article written specifically for CABAR.asia.

The Islamic revival, which began after the collapse of the USSR, was manifested by a sharp increase in the number of Islamic religious organizations and has led to a significant position of religion in the public and state life of Kyrgyzstan to the present time. Along with Islam, other confessions and religious movements gained freedom, but they could not gain wide popularity due to the predominance of Islamic traditions in Kyrgyzstan. In the early stages of Islamic revival in Kyrgyzstan, Islamic tenets entered mainly from outside, because due to tight state control with a formally atheistic approach in the past, the country had practically no authoritative religious ministry. In turn, the authorities of independent Kyrgyzstan tried not to impede the trends of Islamization.

Based on the number of mosques, Kyrgyzstan is one of the most religious countries in the region. At the same time, the lower rates of religious radicalization in Kyrgyzstan compared to neighboring states are due to a softer religious politics.

Problems in a Religious Situation

At the beginning of 2021, 3,348 religious associations were registered with the State Commission for Religious Affairs of the Kyrgyz Republic (SCRA KR). Of these, 2930 Islamic and 404 Christian, as well as 12 Baha’i communities, 1 Jewish and 1 Buddhist community. The largest of them is the Spiritual Administration of Muslims in Kyrgyzstan (hereinafter referred to as SAMK), which ensures the preservation of the Hanafi madhhab and the Maturidi beliefs among Muslims.[1] For comparison, in 1991 there were only 39 mosques in the country.[2] Most of the mosques in the country were built with the sponsorship of Arab, partly Turkish funds.

As of today, over 80% of the population of Kyrgyzstan consider themselves Muslims, the rest identify themselves as Orthodox Christians (7%) and other religious beliefs (12%).[3] At the same time, the degree of religiosity among the Muslims of Kyrgyzstan is also different. For example, not every person who considers himself/herself a Muslim is a deeply religious person and performs all religious practices. The same applies to Orthodox Christians. Detailed studies on the number of religiously interested in practicing in Kyrgyzstan have not been conducted in recent years, but nevertheless, based on observations and studies of past years, we can say, for example, that only a part of Muslims practice all the canons of Islam, the other part practices only Friday prayers, and the third is limited to attending eid-namaz[4], etc.

Figure 1. Traditional Eid-namaz in Bishkek. May 2, 2022

kloop.kg

However, the degree of religious penetration, in particular, Islam, into the public life of the Kyrgyz people, as well as into everyday relationships, rules of conduct and even the lexicon becomes more and more obvious every year. From the very start of sovereign existence, Kyrgyzstan has adhered to a liberal approach towards the religious sector. Thus, unlike other post-Soviet republics, Kyrgyzstan had more space and freedom for the justification and development of Islamic religious organizations, including various foundations and centers brought in from outside. Together with internal (ideological, socio-political, economic) aspects, the active influence of exogenous factors became the basis for the formation of polymorphic Islam in the country, which has both a moderate Hanafi madhhab (majority) and more rigid religious currents.

In Kyrgyzstan, the only country in the post-Soviet space, the activities of the Tablighi Jamaat religious movement, which is not registered in the country, but actively carries out its activities, are not prohibited. In Kyrgyzstan, their activities are known for their missionary activities – dawaat. The followers of the movement declare their apoliticality and the desire to convey the essence of Islam through dawaats. An exception to the ban was the Yakyn Inkar group, which separated from the Tablighi Jamaat. The name of the movement, if translated from Arabic, means “the denial of everything except God.” Supporters of “Yakyn Inkar” preached a return to medieval times, the rejection of all the benefits of civilization, including the means of communication, education, modern medicine. This group was banned in 2017.

Figure 2. Inkarians detained in Aksy district in 2017

azattyk.org

Despite the declared secular status of the state, in recent years cases of politicization of religion have become more frequent – the involvement of members of religious organizations in political processes, which is often violated by politicians themselves. In 2015, at the parliamentary elections, attempts by one of the parties to enlist the support of religious authorities were noticeable, the same attempts were made in 2017 at the presidential elections, when the religious figure Chubak azhy Zhalilov was invited to the election campaign of one of the candidates.

The increase in the electorate’s demand for religiosity in political preferences is dictated by both the increase in the religiosity of the population, and dissatisfaction with state policy and, in general, distrust of political institutions by part of the Muslim society. In this regard, the religiosity of political figures in Kyrgyzstan is gradually becoming a kind of marker of “fairness and honesty” for religious voters.

According to the studies of a number of Kyrgyzstani experts, the processes of Islamization and the change under its influence in the worldview and behavior of people are gradually changing the whole system of social relations in Kyrgyzstan towards its religiosity, which ultimately lays the foundation for the use of Islam in politics. Thus, the population and the electorate respectively, becomes more sensitive to Islamic slogans.[5]

At present, an unprecedented growth of the role of religion in the life of society is taking place in Kyrgyzstan, which requires the state to take new approaches to building relationships between the state and religion.

Politics in the religious sphere

For the first time, the Law “On Freedom of Religion and Religious Organizations” was adopted in 1991, which allowed religious organizations to register their activities in the republic. As a result, by 2008 over 2,000 religious organizations were registered. Since 2002, questions have been raised in the republic about the need to tighten policy in the religious sphere, but the initiatives remained without the support of deputies.

On December 31, 2008, a new Law “On Freedom of Religion and Religious Organizations of the Kyrgyz Republic” was adopted in the country. This Law toughened the procedures for record registration in the state body for religious affairs. The law was adopted despite a negative assessment by the Venice Commission and the OSCE/ODIHR Expert Council. The criticism was mainly that, due to the bureaucracy of registration procedures, many religious communities will not be able to obtain official registration.[6]

However, until 2014, little attention was paid to state policy in the religious sphere, and there was no direction vector for building relationships between the state and religion. At the end of that year, the Concept of State Policy in the Religious Sphere for 2014-2020 was adopted in Kyrgyzstan. The concept notes the role of traditional confessions in Kyrgyzstan, in particular traditional Islam of the Hanafi madhhab and Orthodox Christianity. In addition, the document emphasizes the need to preserve the traditional values ​​of Islam, protection from external influence of Muslims. For example, the rapid growth in the number of religious objects, in accordance with the Concept, is a consequence of “the influence and financial support from Turkish, Pakistani, Arab, Iranian, and other religious organizations and figures. This process, as the Concept says, has led to the emergence of new religious practices and the stratification of the Muslim community, which may in the future lead to contradictions and conflicts on religious grounds.[7] The connection between the radicalization of religion in Kyrgyzstan and the factor of foreign religious education is also noted: “The radicalization of religion in the country is to a certain extent due to the influence of foreign religious extremist centers and organizations. Upon completion of their studies, some of the graduates of foreign educational centers become carriers, distributors of the ideology and mentality of the host country, instill a way of life, culture, appearance, clothing, and standards of behavior that are alien to the people of Kyrgyzstan,” the Concept says.[8]

Thus, by adopting this Concept, the authorities of Kyrgyzstan indicated their intention to increase the role of the state in controlling negative deviations of religion and supporting traditional confessions. The course of the state in the religious sphere for the period 2014-2020 for the most part involved the popularization of social initiatives of religious organizations, the centralization of the management of Muslims under a single center of religious management (SAMK), which, in turn, operates in coordination with the State Commission for Religious Affairs (SCRA).

If we look at the measures taken on the basis of the new approach to religion, we can highlight the following important points:

– Firstly, for the first time in Kyrgyzstan, steps were taken towards the interaction of the state and religious denominations, in particular, reforms were initiated in the work of the Spiritual Administration of Muslims in Kyrgyzstan (SAMK) in terms of increasing control over the appointment of imams of mosques, imam-khatibs, as well as their interaction with the SCRA, the Ministry of Education, religious foundations and non-governmental organizations noted the need to build non-conflict relations between confessions;

– secondly, the issues of missionary activity were regulated in the SAMK, including the introduction of a single form for persons involved in dawaat.

– thirdly, with the support of the state, the Fund for the Development of Spiritual Culture “Iyman” was created, whose functions included raising public awareness of state policy in the religious sphere, increasing tolerance and preventing extremism and improving the literacy of imams. Thus, a kind of information method of countering extremism was formed in Kyrgyzstan, which included religious and educational institutions, non-governmental organizations, and the mass media.[9]

– fourthly, the processes of reforming religious education were launched.

One of the activities of the Iyman Foundation is scholarship support for imams and raising their level of education. The advanced training of imams has been carried out since 2015, its purpose is to inform about the basics of state policy in the religious sphere in order to increase the level of religious and secular literacy of spiritual servants. In addition, the SAMK itself has introduced a certification procedure for mosque imams. In addition, all state bodies and the SAMK have been instructed to take measures to suppress the activities of extremist organizations in the country by promoting the “soft” form of Islam of the Hanafi madhhab.

While analyzing the steps already taken by the state towards the inclusion of “soft” approaches, it is worth noting the emphasis placed on the need to improve the religious education of Kyrgyzstanis. For these purposes and in terms of implementing the provisions of the Concept of State Policy in the Religious Sphere, the State Commission for Religious Affairs, together with the Ministry of Education, prepared an introduction to school curricula for grades 9-10 as a pilot project of the subject “history of religious cultures”. However, the program for the introduction of religious subjects in secular schools has not yet been implemented due to the conflict between the principles of secularism and religiosity in education.

Nevertheless, mechanisms are being developed to include secular disciplines in Islamic educational institutions. “There is already an opportunity to receive a secular education at the Islamic University. In addition, there are many examples of how, after receiving a religious education in a madrasah, citizens continue their studies at universities (at KSU named after Arabaev, KTU “Manas”, Osh State University) in “theology”.

In order to avoid extremist recruitment processes in correctional facilities, since 2014 the State Service for Execution of Punishment (SSEP) has been instructed to take measures to separate the detention of prisoners convicted of extremism. Such a measure is justified by the fact that prisoners, being in the same cell with extremists, became followers of extremist ideas. In turn, extremists, being in cells with prisoners from organized criminal groups, joined their ranks in the future.

The state assigns an important role in the propaganda of traditional Islam to the mass media, which does not limit the placement of video and audio materials explaining the essence of Islam. In order to improve the religious education of citizens, the information portal “Nasaat-media” operates under the Ulema Council of Kyrgyzstan. In addition, there is a SAMK page on the Facebook social network, and TV channels Ayan TV, Marva TV, New TV, and others broadcast religious topics.

Thus, in 2014-2020, the state stepped up its activities in relation to religion, focusing mainly on the settlement of negative trends in the Muslim community.

In 2021, an updated Concept of State Policy in the Religious Sphere for 2021-2026 was adopted. One of the points noted in this Concept is the problem of compliance with the principle of the secular nature of the state.[10] In general, the text of the new Concept has not undergone major changes, however, it briefly reflects the problems of implementing the previous Concept and emphasizes the need to continue work to improve the tasks already achieved.

Therefore, a feature of state policy since 2014 has been its focus on preserving national and civic identity through support for the traditional form of Islam in the form of the Hanafi madhhab and the Maturidi belief. The reform of religious education, the prevention of radicalism and extremism, the fight against religious conflicts, and the preservation of the secular state are the most important tasks in the sphere of politics in the religious sphere. One of the accents in the 2014 Concept was the problem religious appearance of Muslims, which was introduced from outside and does not correspond to national traditions. A manifestation of the protection of the attributive component of Islam in Kyrgyzstan is the recent introduction of a uniform for employees of the SAMK and imams.[11]

Figure 3. Employees of the SAMK were given a uniform uniform

kg.akipress.org

Conclusions and recommendations

Thus, the state policy of Kyrgyzstan in the religious sphere is aimed at preserving traditional religions and is aimed, in essence, at protecting national identity, including through traditional Islam of the Hanafi madhhab, which does not contradict national traditions. Associated tasks are the prevention of extremism, the fight against conflicts on religious grounds, and issues of religious education. At the same time, the analysis of the religious situation shows that the state policy in the religious sphere still needs to be improved to solve the identified problems.

An important achievement of recent years is the recognition that religion is an integral part of public life. In order to prevent radicalism and extremism, the state and the Spiritual Administration of Muslims in Kyrgyzstan should focus on the socialization of Muslims, which involves the broad inclusion of the Muslim community in social projects in the state, such as helping poor citizens, supporting the institution of the family, helping children, women and the elderly who find themselves in difficult situations, prevention of domestic violence, the fight against crime, alcoholism and drug addiction, etc.

The need to use the social potential of religion is set out in the Concept for 2014-2020, and again designated in the New Concept for 2021-2026. It would not be out of place for the development by the SAMK, religious scholars, theologians and other experts of the social doctrine of the Muslims of Kyrgyzstan for the wide promotion and implementation of spiritual and moral values ​​that educate and form among Muslims mutual respect, tolerance for representatives of other faiths, craving for knowledge and education, the ability to distinguish correct and incorrect interpretations of Islam and other values ​​necessary to create harmonious social relations.


[1] The concept of the state policy of the Kyrgyz Republic in the religious sphere for 2021-2026. Adopted by Decree of the President of the Kyrgyz Republic No. 412 dated September 30, 2021

[2] How the number of mosques and churches in Kyrgyzstan has changed since 1991. Infographics (10/22/2020) // URL: https://elgezit.kg/2019/10/22/kak-izmenilos-kolichestvo-mechetej-i-tserkvej-v-kyrgyzstane-posle-1991-goda-infografika/

[3] Subjective aspects of religiosity of the population in Kyrgyzstan (12.10.2020) // URL: http://nisi.kg/niss-kg/sub-ektivnye-storony-religioznosti-naseleniya-kyrgyzstana/

[4] Ait prayer or Eid namaz is a collective prayer performed by Muslims on the days of the sacred holidays of Orozo and Kurman Ait.

[5] Problems of politicization and radicalization of Islam as a threat to the national security of Kyrgyzstan and ways to neutralize it / Ed. A. L. Salieva. – Bishkek, 2019. – P. 238.

[6] Ibid

[7] The concept of the state policy of the Kyrgyz Republic in the religious sphere for 2014-2020. Approved by Decree of the President of the Kyrgyz Republic dated November 14, 2014, No. 203.

[8] The concept of the state policy of the Kyrgyz Republic in the religious sphere for 2014-2020. Approved by Decree of the President of the Kyrgyz Republic dated November 14, 2014, No. 203.

[9] Usenov A. M. The social doctrine of Islam as an important element in the prevention of religious extremism and terrorism in Kyrgyzstan // Ways and means of counteracting religious extremism and terrorism in Kyrgyzstan: Collection of articles / Ed. ed. A. L. Saliev; ISAP KRSU. – Bishkek, 2019. – P. 56.

[10] Ibid

[11] Employees of the SAMK have a single uniform. Photo (06/01/2022) // URL: https://kg.akipress.org/news:1784264/?from=kgnews&place=maintopbefore

The June analytical articles on Central Asia in foreign media discussed the constitutional reform in Kazakhstan, the investigation into the 2010 ethnic clashes in Kyrgyzstan, the visit of the President of Turkmenistan to Russia, the situation in GBAO, constitutional amendments in Uzbekistan, as well as other important topics in Central Asia at the moment. (more…)

05.07.22
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Analytical pieces in foreign press on the Central Asian region include the topics of the current instability in Afghanistan, hurdles for Central Asia in dealing with the Russian invasion of Ukraine, new restrictive laws against media and social networks in Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan, and the constitutional reform in Uzbekistan. (more…)

03.06.22
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Eldos Abakhanov
Deputy Chairperson of the "Kazakhstan Association of Environmental Organizations"
Kanatbek Abdiev
Independent Researcher, Master in Conflict, Security and Development at King’s College of London
Marufjon Abdujaborov
Chief Specialist at the Strategic Research Center Under the President of Tajikistan. Participant of CABAR.asia School of Analytics (Dushanbe)
Madina Abdullaeva
Lecturer at the Department of Political Science at the University of World Economy and Diplomacy. Tashkent, Uzbekistan
Rashid Ghani Abdullo
Independent expert
Jyldyz Abdyldaeva
Participant of CABAR.asia School of Analytics
Anisa Abibulloeva
eco-activist, participant of the CABAR.asia School of Analytics
Independent researcher, participant of the School of Analysts CABAR.asia
Akrom Avezov
Participant of School of Analysts CABAR.asia 2022
Galym Ageleuov
head of Liberty public fund (Kazakhstan)
Kunduz Adylbekova
CABAR.asia School of Analytics alumna
Rustam Azizi
Deputy Director of the Center for Islamic Studies under the President of the Republic of Tajikistan
Ainura Akmatalieva
Founder of the Institute for Perspective Policy, PhD in Political Sciences, Associate Professor at the KRSU (Bishkek)
Iskander Akylbayaev
Researcher of KazISS, the Department of Foreign Policy and International Security
Guldastasho Alibakhshev
Researcher at the Center of Sociological Research "Zerkalo", CABAR.asia School of Analytics participant (Dushanbe)
Bakhtiyor Alimdjanov
Independent researcher, Ph.D in History (Tashkent)
Dimash Alzhanov
Political scientist, founder of the "Erkin, Qazaqstan" project (Almaty)
Nailya Almukhamedova
Director General of the Parasat System Research Institute; participant of the School of Analytics cabar.asia (Astana)
Anna Alshanskaya
Researcher, participant of the CABAR.asia School of Analytics (Nur-Sultan)
Mukhtar Amanbaiuly
Political Scientist
Farkhod Aminjonov
Ph.D., senior researcher at the Eurasian Research Institute
Aydar Amrebayev
Head of the Center for Political Science and International Studies
Mahram Anvarzod
Islamic scholar
Hamidjon Arifov
PhD. in geological-mineralogical sciences, Tajik Committee of the International Commission on Large Dams, Lead Researcher at the Tajik Institute of Water Issues, Hydropower and Ecology
Eldar Asanov
Junior Researcher of the Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Uzbekistan, participant of the CABAR.asia School of Analytics (Tashkent)
Zarema Askarova
Independent expert
Indira Aslanova
Expert on religious studies
Shirin Atlasova
participant of the CABAR.asia School of Analytics
Asomiddin Atoev
regional expert in information technology and cybersecurity
Slyamzhar Akhmedzharov
Researcher at the Kazakhstan Institute for Strategic Studies under the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, participant of CABAR.asia School of Analytics
Anvar Babayev
PhD in Economics, Head Analyst and Director of the Population Migration Section of the Tajik Academy of Science’s Institute of Economics and Demographics
Erzhan Bagdatov
Executive Director of the Center of Media Technologies
Erkin Baydarov
Leading researcher of the Institute of Oriental Studies of the Ministry of Education and Science of Kazakhstan
Sheradil Baktygulov
Independent expert
Serik Beysembayev
Sociologist
Nazik Beishenaly
President, Union of Cooperatives of Kyrgyzstan
Nurbek Bekmurzaev
Independent researcher, participant of cabar.asia School of Analytics (Bishkek)
Danil Bekturganov
President of the Public Foundation "Civil Expertise"
Denis Berdakov
Political scientist
Gulmira Birzhanova
Lawyer, expert in the field of national and international media law, Kazakhstan
Abbos Bobkhonov
Research Fellow at the Institute for Advanced International Studies, PhD student at the University of World Economy and Diplomacy (Tashkent)
Valentin Bogatyrev
Head of the analytical consortium "Perspective"
Konstantin Bondarenko
Economist
Farzad Ramezani Bonesh
Journalist and expert in international relations
Anton Bugaenko
Sinologist, chief expert of the Chinese and Asian studies program at the Institute of World Economics and Politics (Kazakhstan)
Yuriy Buluktayev
Political scientist, Сhief researcher at the Institute of Philosophy, Political Science and Religious Studies of the National Academy of Science of the Republic of Kazakhstan (Almaty)
Dana Buralkieva
Independent researcher and expert in the field of digital human rights and freedoms, member of the analytics school CABAR.asia
Muslimbek Buriev
Political scientist, participant of cabar.asia School of Analytics (Dushanbe)
Rustam Burnashev
Political scientist, professor of Kazakh-German University
Muazama Burkhanova
Head of the environmental organization Dastgiri Center, Tajikistan; Independent Environmental Impact Assessment Specialist
Mereke Gabdualiev
Сonstitutional lawyer, director of the public foundation “Institute for the Development of Constitutionalism and Democracy”
Musliddin Gaipnazarov
economist
Alexander Galiyev
Editor of Computerworld.kz
Alisher Gardonshoev
participant of the CABAR.asia School of Analytics
Makhmud Giyosov
Political scientist (Dushanbe)
Daniela Grosheva
Specialist in transport logistics and digital business
Olga Gulina
Director and Founder of RUSMPI UG - Institute for Migration Policy (Germany)
Rustam Gulov
Expert on new media
Gulyaev Sergey
General Director of PF "Decenta"
Anna Gusarova
Director of the Central Asian Institute for Strategic Studies (Almaty)
Eldaniz Gusseinov
specialist in European and International Studies at the Heartland Expert Analytical Center
Zoir Davlatov
Independent expert
Nurali Davlatov
Journalist-Analyst
Nazima Davletova
Adjunct Professor, Webster University (Tashkent)
Zarina Dadabayeva
Doctor of Political Science, Professor at Russian State Humanitarian University, Leading scientific worker at the Post-Soviet Studies Research Center, Institute of Economics, Russian Academy of Sciences
Ildar Daminov
Independent researcher and a graduate of the Diplomatic Academy of Vienna
Emil Djuraev
Political scientist, Associate Professor of the OSCE Academy (Bishkek)
Salamat Dzhybykeev
International Relations Specialist (Bishkek)
Svetlana Dzardanova
Expert of the Central Asian Institute for Strategic Studies (CAISS)
Zhannur Dildabayeva
Sociologist, Nazarbayev University (Kazakhstan)
Sergey Domnin
Chief editor of “Expert Kazakhstan” magazine
Asel Doolotkeldieva
Ph.D., political scientist
Roza Duisheeva
Candidate of Political Sciences, Associate Professor of the Department of International Relations and Social Sciences of the International Kuwait University; participant of the cabar.asia School of Analytics (Bishkek)
Berikbol Dukeyev
Political scientist, PhD researcher at the Australian National University.
Bakhtier Ergashev
Director of the Center for Political Initiatives "Māno"
Aigerim Erken
Project Manager at the Eurasian Center for People Management
Sarvar Jalolov
International Relations Specialist (Tashkent)
Alimana Zhanmukanova
Political scientist and independent researcher (Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan)
Aygerim Zholdas
CABAR.asia Intern (Nur-Sultan)
Zamira Zholdaskyzy
Analyst at the Center for the Development of Labor Resources of the Republic of Kazakhstan, participant of CABAR.asia School of Analytics (Nur-Sultan)
Zhibek Zhorokulova
Researcher, Master's student at the OSCE Academy (Bishkek)
Zaynab Dost
Independent expert
Galiya Ibragimova
Independent expert
Tamerlan Ibraimov
Director of the Center for Political and Legal Studies
Maya Ivanova
Research analyst specialized in security, geopolitical risk assessment and gender (Bulgaria)
Timur Idrisov
Independent Expert (Tajikistan)
Ruslan Izimov
Sinologist, head of the "Eurasian Studies Program" of the Institute for World Economics and Politics under the Foundation of First President of the Kazakhstan, director of the Center for China Studies in Central Asia "Synopsys"
Elena Izteleuova
Independent analyst, participant of the School of Analysts CABAR.asia 2021
Alisher Ilkhamov
Independent Researcher (London)
Muratbek Imanaliev
Sinologist, ex-Minister of Foreign Affairs and ex-secretary of the SCO (Kyrgyzstan)
Nazik Imanbekova
Economist, participant of the CABAR.asia School of Analytics (Bishkek)
Fabio Indeo
Specialist in geopolitics in Central Asia
Zamira Isakova
Master in Politics and Security at the OSCE Academy, Regional Coordinator of Saferworld Programs in Central Asia (Kyrgyzstan)
Kosimsho Iskandarov
Head of Conflict Resolution and Regional Research Center in association with the Academy of Sciences
Chyngyz Israyilov
Lecturer of the Department of International Relations, Osh State University
Aizhan Kakenova
Researcher in the field of gender inequality and minority rights, Master of Arts, School of Humanities and Social Sciences Nazarbayev University (Nur-Sultan)
Amina Kalmamatova
cabar.asia intern
Muhaiyo Kamolova
participant of the CABAR.asia School of Analytics
Asylgul Kanatbekova
Analyst, participant of the CABAR.asia's School of analytics, junior researcher at the OSCE Academy in Bishkek
Samar Kanatov
IWPR intern, Youth Empowerment and Water & Climate Education Expert
Nargiz Kapasheva
participant of the CABAR.asia School of Analytics, researcher and expert analyst
Lesya Karataeva
Ph.D. is Chief Researcher at the Kazakhstan Institute for Strategic Studies under the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan
Navruz Karimov
Analyst, media specialist, graduate of the CABAR.asia School of Analytics (Tajikistan)
Nuriddin Karshiboyev
Chairman of the National Association of Independent Media of Tajikistan
Yerlan Kassym
Specialist in energy policy, green economy and alternative energy. Government and Public Relations adviser at Royal Dutch Shell in Kazakhstan (Nur-Sultan)
Ekaterina Kasymova
Independent expert
Adil Kaukenov
Sinologist, political scientist
Gaukhar Kiikova
Independent expert on early childhood development, Chairman of the NGO "OYNA Institute of Childhood"
Firdavs Kobilov
PhD Candidate at the School of Social and Political Science, CEES, the University of Glasgow, UK
Kamila Kovyazina
Sociologist, researcher in public policy (Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan)
Anvar Kodirov
Independent Researcher
Turonbek Kozokov
cabar.asia intern
Galina Kolodzinskaia
Expert on Religion, Politics, and Security in Central Asia (Bishkek)
Iskandar Qonunov
Political scientist
Gulaikhan Kubayeva
PhD student in public economics at the University of Salerno, Italy (Kazakhstan)
Alla Kuvatova
Sociologist, PhD
Kodir Kuliev
Anti-Corruption and Governance Expert (Tashkent)
Khurshed Kurbonshoev
Human rights lawyer, specialist in digital law
Adinai Kurmanbekova
International relations specialist, participant of the CABAR.asia school of analytics
Zaynidin Kurmanov
Professor of the Kyrgyz-Russian Slavic University
Aidarkhan Kusainov
Financial analyst and general director of the Almagest Management and Strategy Consulting Company
Ikrom Kuchkorov
independent expert, participant of CABAR.asia School of analytics
Konstantin Larionov
Researcher, analyst (Bishkek)
Nigel Li
International Relations Specialist (Singapore)
Vlad Lim
Postgraduate student of the Department of Political Science and International Relations, School of Sciences and Humanities, Nazarbayev University (Nur-Sultan)
Oleg Limanov
Expert (Uzbekistan)
Manuchehra Madjonova
Senior Economic Consultant of Secretariat of the Consultative Council on Improvement of Investment Climate under the President of the Republic of Tajikistan
Nazik Mamedova
Independent researcher, participant of CABAR.asia School of analytics (Bishkek)
Talgat Mamyrayimov
Independent expert
Marinin Sergey
Independent Analyst (Kazakhstan)
Tansuluu Matieva
Independent researcher, participant of the School of Analysts CABAR.asia
Dilmira Matyakubova
Independent researcher (Tashkent)
Askar Mashayev
Political commentator (Almaty)
Aruzhan Meirkhanova
Political Scientist, School of Sciences and Humanities, Nazarbayev University
Takhir Mirdzhaparov
Chairman of the Republican Association of Foster Families of the Chuvash Republic, Director of the Nadezhda Charitable Fund for the Support of Orphans
Michael Petrushkov
Chairman of the Business Development Center of the Republic of Tajikistan
Kairat Moldashev
Independent Researcher (Kazakhstan)
Atay Moldobaev
Head of “Prudent Solutions” Analytical Department
Anton Morozov
Ph.D., political scientist
Alibek Mukambaev
President of the Agency for Strategic Initiatives "Eurasia", political scientist (Kyrgyzstan)
Parviz Mullodjanov
Ph.D. political scientist, политолог, orientalist and independent researcher from Tajikistan
Nargiza Muratalieva
Political Scientist (Kyrgyzstan)
Anar Musabaeva
Independent political analyst (Bishkek)
Aigerim Mussabalinova
Ph.D, independent researcher and consultant on children’s rights, Kazakhstan
Marat Musuraliev
Economist, Deputy Director of Smart Business Solutions Central Asia
Nodira Mukhammadkulova
Head of the Center for Energy Geopolitics, Institute for Advanced International Studies at the University of World Economy and Diplomacy
Independent Researcher (Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan)
Kanat Nogoybayev
Analyst (Kyrgyzstan), member of the School of analytics of CABAR.asia mentorship program
Elmira Nogoibayeva
Head of the Analytical Center "Policy Asia"
Zhaslan Nurbaev
Associate Professor at Gumilyov Eurasian National University, participant of the CABAR.asia School of Analytics (Nur-Sultan)
Aslan Nurzhanov
Project Manager at Eurasian center for people management, participant of CABAR.asia School of Analytics (Nur-Sultan)
Umarbek Nuriddinov
4th year student of the Faculty of International Relations of the University of World Economy and Diplomacy (Tashkent), participant of the CABAR.asia School of Analytics
Dinara Nurusheva
Researcher
Diana Okremova
Director of the “Legal Media Centre” Public Foundation
Edil Osmonbetov
Political scientist
Tinatin Osmonova
Independent Researcher
Dinara Oshurahunova
Human rights activist, member of the international parliamentary monitoring network (Bishkek)
Lidiya Parkhomchik
Senior Researcher, Eurasian Research Institute
Bakhrom Radjabov
Political economist, PhD (Tashkent)
Shakhrizoda Rakhimova
Intern, Research Assistant, Center for Energy Geopolitics, Institute for Advanced International Studies at the University of World Economy and Diplomacy
Anastasiya Reshetnyak
Senior Researcher of the Kazakhstan Institute of Strategic Studies
Sherali Rizoyon
Political Scientist (Dushanbe)
Gulzada Rysbekova
Independent Researcher in International Relations (Bishkek)
Jaksylyk Sabitov
PhD, Eurasian National University
Maral Sagynalieva
Independent researcher, participant of CABAR.asia School of analytics (Bishkek)
Sanjar Saidov
Political scientist, PhD (Tashkent)
Dana Sailaukhanova
Economist, Research Fellow at Gender Economics Research Center
Rauf Salahodjaev
Economist, Senior Researcher at International Westminster University (Tashkent)
Sardor Salim
Political Scientist (Tashkent)
Farrukh Salimov
PhD in History, Head of Diplomacy and Foreign Policy Department of Tajik National University
Charles Sullivan
Assistant Professor of Political Science & International Relations in the School of Sciences and Humanities at Nazarbayev University
Yuriy Sarukhanyan
International Relations Specialist. Participant of the cabar.asia School of Analysts (Tashkent).
Rafael Sattarov
Political scientist
Aiym Saurambayeva
Lawyer in International Law, Master of Human Rights and Democratization (Almaty, Kazakhstan)
Steve Swerdlow
Human rights lawyer and professor of human rights in the Department of Political Science and International Relations at the University of Southern California.
Petr Svoik
Political scientist
Inga Sikorskaia
Program director of the School of peacemaking and media technology in Central Asia
Olga Simakova
Public Fund "Center for Social and Political Studies ‘Strategy’"
Dimitris Symeonidis
Independent energy policy and geopolitical risk analyst (The Hague, Netherlands)
Kamila Smagulova
Political Scientist, participant of the CABAR.asia School of Analytics 2021
Doriyush Soliev
Independent Analyst (Dushanbe)
Klara Soronkulova
Lawyer, former judge of the Constitutional Chamber of KR Supreme Court
Abdyrakhman Sulaimanov
Associate Researcher at the Pulte Institute for Global Development
Abakhon Sultonnazarov
IWPR Central Asia Regional Director
Rustami Sukhrob
International Relations Specialist (Tajikistan): Phd candidate, Ural Federal University, Department of Theory and History of International Relations, participant of CABAR.asia School of analytics 2021
Samar Syrgabaev
Sociologist, PhD in Sociological sciences
Konstantin Syroejkin
PhD., leading Kazakhstani Sinologist
Dias Takenov
Participant of CABAR.asia School of Analytics
Alisher Taksanov
Independent expert
Azamat Temirkulov
Associate Professor, Doctor of Political Sciences (Bishkek)
Anuar Temirov
Analyst, participant of the CABAR.asia's school of analysts (Nur-Sultan)
Aliya Tlegenova
Political Scientist, Nazarbaev University (Kazakhstan)
Nurlan Tokobaev
Analyst, member of the CABAR.asia's School of analytics (Bishkek)
Saniya Toktogazieva
Lawyer, expert on constitutional law (Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan)
Baurzhan Tolegenov
Political commentator (Nur-Sultan)
Medet Tyulegenov
Head of the Department of “International and Comparative Politics”, AUCA
Akram Umarov
Independent expert (Uzbekistan)
Khojimuhammad Umarov
doctor of Economic Sciences, (Tajikistan)
Umedjon Ibrohimzoda
Independent political scientist, member of the CABAR.asia School of Analytics
Niginakhon Uralova
Adjunct assistant professor at Webster University in Tashkent
Arsen Usenov
Political scientist (Bishkek)
Esen Usubaliev
Head of the analytical center "Prudent Solutions", specialist in international relations
Farkhod Tolipov
Political scientist, the director of the non-governmental scientific and educational institution "Bilim Carvoni" (Tashkent, Uzbekistan)
Zhania Khaibullina
PhD doctoral student of the Department of Political Science and Political Technologies of Al-Farabi Kazakh National University,, participant of CABAR.asia School of analytics
Umed Khakimov
independent expert, participant of CABAR.asia School of analytics
Farrukh Hakimov
Head of Department of Development Strategy Center (Tashkent, Uzbekistan)
Komron Khidoyatzoda
Editor of diplomatic messenger "MISSION"
Yevgeniy Khon
Economist
Khursand Khurramov
Political scientist
Andrey Chebotaryov
Director оf Centre for Contemporary Research «Alternativa» (Kazakhstan)
Ajar Chekirova
PhD candidate at the Department of Political Science at the University of Illinois in Chicago
Larisa Chen
journalist, Karaganda, Kazakhstan
Irina Chernykh
Chief Researcher at the Kazakhstan Institute for Strategic Studies under the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Doctor of History, Professor
Sherzod Shamiev
Graduate of the OSCE Academy, researcher at the Z-Analytics (Tajikistan)
Bahrom Sharipov
PhD in Economics
Iskender Sharsheev
head of the Secretariat of the National Alliance of Business Associations (Bishkek)
Aijan Sharshenova
PhD, the OSCE Academy
Shohsanam Shodieva
Independent Analyst (Tajikistan)
Eratov Iskender
Independent expert
Chinara Esengul
Senior Advisor for the conflicts prevention, UNDP
Guly Yuldasheva
Dilmurad Yusupov
PhD student at the Institute of Development Studies of the University of Sussex, participant of CABAR.asia School of Analytics (Tashkent)
Yuliy Yusupov
Economist, director of Center for Economic Development (Tashkent)
Binazir Yusupova
Participant of CABAR.asia School of Analytics
Ildar Yakubov
Candidate of Political Sciences (Tashkent)