Analytics
Main themes surrounding Central Asia in foreign press in April involved the consequences of the Russia-Ukraine war for Central Asian countries in the economic and geopolitical realms, as well announcement of reforms in Kazakhstan, changes in the public procurement process and human rights concerns in Kyrgyzstan, Berdimuhamedov Jr.’s first steps as a president, and Tajikistan’s dire economic situation. (more…)
“It is clear that the stability of the existing system now depends on how effectively the tandem will function, particularly when (and if) the tensions or disagreements arise in the “family””, – notes in an article written for CABAR.asia, political analyst Rustam Muhamedov (Turkmenistan). (more…)
In March 2022, Central Asia was highlighted in the foreign press in the context of Russia’s war in Ukraine, in particular the statements of Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan recognising Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity; the negative impact of sanctions on the economies of the region; some restrictions on assembly rights in Kyrgyzstan; the first deaths of Central Asian nationals in the Russian army in Ukraine; the investment forum held in Tashkent.
“The only factor that makes the likelihood of increased terrorist attacks is the ineffective manner in which the Central Asian governments deal with radicalization and violent extremism. The issue has been misdiagnosed and consequently has been mistreated for many years.”, – states independent researcher Nurbek Bekmurzaev in his article for CABAR.asia.
“Ankara and Moscow are constantly engaging in a competition on the energy sector (and not only) of the Caucasus and Central Asia and it will be of great importance to encounter a balance between the two global powers for the president in wait”, – how Serdar Berdimuhamedov’s coming to power will affect the energy sector, writes analyst Dimitris Simeonidis, exclusively for CABAR.asia (more…)
In February 2022, Central Asia was highlighted in the foreign press in light of the looming economic crisis in the region due to Russian military actions in Ukraine; the disclosure of secret bank accounts of the Kazakh president; the potentially dangerous situation in GBAO; the transit of power in Turkmenistan; and the humanitarian disaster in neighbouring Afghanistan.
In January 2022, Central Asia was featured in the foreign press in the light of protests in Kazakhstan, power cuts in three countries in the region, armed clashes on the Kyrgyz-Tajik border, and online summits of Central Asian countries with China and India.
The countries of Central Asia are undergoing another stress test during the crisis in Kazakhstan. How will the events in Kazakhstan affect bilateral relations and regional cooperation? What changes, including geopolitical ones, can be expected in the region in the near future, – experts from the region discussing these and other issues specifically for CABAR.asia. (more…)
Experts from Central Asia and beyond share their forecasts of what to expect in the region in 2022, what internal and external risks countries will face, and also summarize the results of the past year in a material, written specifically for CABAR.asia (more…)
In November 2021, Central Asia was highlighted in the foreign press in the light of the parliamentary elections in Kyrgyzstan, energy shortages in Kazakhstan amid a surge in cryptomining; the need for an updated US strategy in the region; and increased government control over the Internet.