digest
In December, foreign analytical articles highlighted several trends and events in the region including the development of wind power projects in Kazakhstan, the precedent-setting border agreement between Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan, as well as the experiences of individuals who were subjected to forced labor in Uzbekistan’s cotton fields and the ways Central Asia can promote collective regional identity. (more…)
In September, foreign analytical articles on Central Asia focused on regional integration, energy issues, attacks on independent press, balancing foreign relations, and the 5th Consultative meeting of the Heads of State. (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 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.
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.
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.
In October 2021, the Central Asia region was in the focus of the foreign press in the context of the re-election of Shavkat Mirziyoyev in Uzbekistan for a second term, the European tour of Emomali Rahmon, a new Chinese outpost in Tajikistan, and the expected “storm of crises” in Kyrgyzstan.
In September, in addition to Afghanistan, in the articles of foreign media, the countries of the region are mentioned from the point of view of economy (the scandal with the sale of Kyrgyz gold in foreign markets and the mining of cryptocurrency in Kazakhstan), authoritarian initiatives (restriction of freedom on the Internet) and, of course, not without mentioning Uzbekistan.
The hasty withdrawal of US troops from Afghanistan and the rise to power of the Taliban riveted the world’s attention to Central Asia. The world press is discussing the new balance of power of the leading powers in the region; and how climate change can exacerbate border conflicts.