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Analytical materials

How will the construction of the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway affect the transport connectivity of Central Asia?

Nargiza Umarova 13.08.24

The launch of the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway, the construction of which will start in October 2024, will strengthen transport connectivity in Central Asia and increase the transit attractiveness of the region, believes Uzbek expert Nargiza Umarova. (more…)

Unlocking Regional Connectivity through boosting Trade Digitalization in Central Asian States

Farrukh Hakimov 31.07.24

Throughout history, Central Asian countries have benefited from the ancient Silk Road which connected East Asia with Europe and later on other parts of the world by making Central Asia as a true crossroads of civilizations. Today, Central Asia still has significant potential for connectivity and economic development; meanwhile, this potential and opportunities have so far been untapped, as the region are not yet fully integrated into the global economy due to logistical and connectivity constraints. (more…)

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

Mukhtar Amanbaiuly 08.07.24

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…)

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

Eldaniz Gusseinov 06.06.24

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.

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

Eldaniz Gusseinov 24.04.24

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.

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

Eldaniz Gusseinov 03.04.24

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.

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

Marat Mamadshoev 01.04.24

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…)

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

Akylai Tenizbaeva 26.03.24

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.

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

Dilrabo Jonbekova 19.03.24

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

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

Marat Mamadshoev 14.03.24

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…)