Interviews
As Kazakhstan grapples with a myriad of challenges contributing to its longstanding educational inequality, the role of international organizations, the government, and various local stakeholders takes centre stage. From infrastructural shortcomings and outdated technology to rampant corruption and subpar teacher training, the hurdles are many and multifaceted. While efforts are being made at the government and international levels, the active engagement of civil society, the media, the business community, and experts is paramount for a well-rounded solution. Yet, hurdles persist – active participation is lacking, private sector investment is limited, the media is plagued with sensationalism, and the culture of open expert dialogues is still in its infancy. This interview sheds light on the intricate web of challenges and the shared responsibilities of all stakeholders in bridging the educational divide in Kazakhstan.
As Central Asia grapples with the omnipresent spectre of climate change, the region finds itself at a crossroads of energy transition. The voyage towards decarbonisation is fraught with challenges, particularly with the precarious task of ensuring a ‘just transition’. Yet, amid these trials, lies the tantalising prospect of harnessing the region’s abundant renewable resources, and transforming energy infrastructures, bringing the nations closer to a sustainable future. To better understand these complexities, we turn to Dr Aliya Tskhay, a recognised expert in the field, who offers her incisive perspective on the subject. (more…)
IWPR is trying to counter false information in more than 30 countries by building capacity of local media and NGOs. Therefore, Anthony Borden, executive director at IWPR, is aware of processes taking place in the media and civilian sector, in general, and in Central Asia, in particular. CABAR.asia asked Borden to share his opinion about the processes taking place today. (more…)
Central Asia, a region at the crossroads of trade routes and geopolitical interests, is grappling with the pervasive menace of organized crime. From drug trafficking to corruption, criminal networks pose multifaceted challenges that demand immediate attention and strategic action. As governments in the region navigate the intricate dynamics of this underworld, they must draw lessons from global experiences, forge international collaborations, and implement comprehensive reforms. In this analysis, we delve into the intricate landscape of organized crime in Central Asia, exploring its transnational dimensions, regional responses, and the imperatives for transformative change.
“China is too powerful to seek Russia permission or inform Russia beforehand of its actions”, – an expert from the UK Bhavna Dave discusses the role of China in Central Asia in an interview, exclusively for CABAR.asia. (more…)
Kazakhstan’s civil society is eying the rapprochement with China with suspicion. This is primarily because people don’t trust their own elites, said Temur Umarov, a researcher at the Carnegie Moscow Centre for Russian and Eurasian Studies in Berlin.
Can Kazakhstanis delete fake information about them from the internet? Is Kazakhstan going to introduce the right to oblivion at all? And if it does, won’t it damage the freedom of speech? CABAR.asia talked about it to Ruslan Daiyrbekov, director of law firm DRCQ, founder of Eurasian Digital Foundation, who develops projects on protection of digital human rights and on studying internet in the Eurasian space. (more…)
Central Asia is witnessing a rapid surge in digital authoritarianism. In this interview, we closely examine the dynamics between the state and citizens, explore the role of international actors, and evaluate the economic ramifications posed by the phenomenon. Together with expert Ildar Daminov from the Central European University, we navigate the intricate challenges surrounding the establishment of digital dictatorships in the region. We provide recommendations for civil society and the media. Additionally, we investigate the role of Meta and Google in safeguarding digital rights and freedoms, while addressing ways individuals can protect themselves amidst the escalating online authoritarianism.
How can the other middle powers decrease the tension between the US and China and what role will the Central Asian states play in this? How does the US assess the Chinese Global Security initiative? And will it contribute to strengthening China’s role in the regional security of Central Asia? Will the US strategy in Central Asia be changing? These and other questions were discussed with the Director of the Wilson Center’s Kissinger Institute on China and the United States, Robert Daly, exclusively for CABAR.asia. (more…)
In an exclusive interview for CABAR.asia, Dr. Jennifer Turner talks about the Choke Point Initiative in China, how China addresses the water-energy challenge, and its implications for Central Asia. (more…)