Analytics
IWPR experts believe that the first summit of the Central Asian and US presidents held in New York is mainly symbolic in nature. They believe that the most important decisions for these countries will continue to be taken at the bilateral level. For the US, however, it is important for the Central Asian countries to comply with sanctions against Russia in order to prevent the export of dual-use goods to Russia. (more…)
Foreign analytical articles of August highlighted several important trends in the region, including increased civic engagement in Kazakhstan, strengthening US sanctions against companies in Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan’s growing relations with international actors in the infrastructure and energy spheres, dynamics in regional cooperation, etc. (more…)
In the shadow of towering mountains, Kyrgyzstan faces a landscape as volatile as its climate. A nation grappling with escalating temperatures, dwindling water supplies, and the spectre of energy blackouts, it stands at a pivotal crossroads. With 31% of its GDP fueled by remittances, and a youthful population eager for opportunities, the task is clear yet complex: balance the urgent climate challenges with economic renewal. As the world warms, Kyrgyzstan’s response could offer a model for resilience—or a cautionary tale.
The Central Asian countries were analyzed by foreign outlets in light of Kazakhstan’s strained relations with Russia, growing authoritarianism in Kyrgyzstan, army enlisting measures in Tajikistan, new census data from Turkmenistan, presidential elections in Uzbekistan, and other important developments in the region.
As Kyrgyzstan ushered in a new political post-COVID era, two striking narratives have unfurled: the rise of an assault against independent media and civil society and the fervent espousal of ‘traditional values’. This cocktail of socio-political dynamics has led to an unparalleled squeeze on the LGBT+ community and associated activists. Such domestic strife threatens to upend years of Kyrgyzstan’s democratic progress and freedoms, sacrifices many citizens have fiercely fought for. The increasing vilification of LGBT+ individuals, coupled with a polarising categorisation of citizens as ‘acceptable’ and ‘unacceptable’, sets the stage for heightened societal fissures and burgeoning conflict potential. It is crucial, now more than ever, for civil society and media to forge a robust solidarity front, rallying behind the banner of collective rights and freedoms. (more…)
June analytical articles by foreign platforms discussed Kazakhstan’s foreign policy dynamics, “foreign agents” law in Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan’s relations with Russia, the opening of a new city in Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan’s FDI opportunities, and other important topics in the region.
Decolonisation of Central Asia: Policy Notes were developed based on the discussions during the regional conference Decolonisation of Central Asia: reshaping narratives, held in Almaty on March 15-17, 2023. Each document is addressed to a specific sector and includes civil society, government, media and international organisations.
One of the noteworthy events in May 2023 for the Central Asian countries was the recent China plus Central Asia summit held in Xi’an. CABAR.asia collected insights from regional experts, focusing on the summit’s outcomes, the strengths, and weaknesses of this mode of interaction, and emerging trends in China’s collaboration with the five countries in the region. (more…)
May’s analytical articles in foreign press discussed Kazakhstan’s foreign relations, a new form authoritarianism in Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan’s widening crackdown on human rights activists, Turkmenistan’s rising geopolitical role, as well as the 2023 China-Central Asia summit. (more…)
The publication “China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway: at the crossroads of civilizations, geopolitics and trade routes” is authored by Central Asian scholars, Abbos Bobokhonov from Uzbekistan, and Nargiza Muratalieva from Kyrgyzstan on the basis of the IWPR Representative Office in Central Asia and the regional analytical platform CABAR.asia. (more…)