How to write analytical materials for CABAR.asia, how to conduct research, how to lobby, and why populism and hate speech are dangerous – these and other issues were discussed during the Fourth CABAR.asia School of Analytics held in Almaty from November 15 to 20, 2021.
In November 2021, the IWPR CA team, alumni of the previous Schools, and a new generation of analysts gathered in Almaty. This School of Analytics was conducted as part of the Amplify, Verify,
Engage: Information for Democratisation and Good Governance in Eurasia project implemented with financial support from the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
IWPR Central Asia Regional Director Abakhon Sultonnazarov highlighted that this was already the fourth CABAR.asia School of Analytics.“Together with the new participants, there is a community of almost 100 young experts, which, in my opinion, is a very solid community possessing knowledge and ready to bring positive changes,” noted Abakhon Sultonnazarov.
According to him, the experts from the previous schools have already achieved significant success; many of them have also completed professional internships abroad thanks to this project.
“Not only do we provide a platform for voicing conclusions, analysis, thoughts, but we also create a joint ideological position based on reliable coverage and analysis of the current events in our countries,” said Abakhon Sultonnazarov.
According to him, the skills of information analysis, data collection, their correct interpretation, presentation, and visualisation for the audience’s better understanding are important for the sustainable development of the region, so that the decisions made at different levels are based on research.
Several alumni of the previous Schools of Analytics attended the event, including IWPR Central Asia Project Manager Sergey Marinin, who spoke about the reasons why the region needs analysts.
Sergey Marinin emphasized that CABAR.asia is a diversified platform publishing analytical, journalistic, multimedia materials, investigations, policy briefs, and actively working in social media.
According to him, CABAR.asia is a pioneer in the use of the latest methods of machine learning/artificial intelligence (ML/AI) in analytics. In addition, the platform holds regional and international expert meetings, which discuss acute social and political problems of the region. Sergey drew the researchers’ attention to the fact that IWPR had previously provided young researchers with various internships, including international ones. According to him, if the global epidemiological situation
improves, this practice will resume.
The other alumni also shared their experience of studying at the CABAR.asia School. They are Associate Professor at Gumilyov Eurasian National University Zhaslan Nurbaev, CABAR.asia Media School Ambassador and Go Viral Central Asia Ambassador in Kazakhstan Dastan Akkozha, independent researcher and consultant at the Eurasia Foundation of Central Asia Muslim Buriev.
Then, CABAR.asia Analytical Reports Editor Nargiza Muratalieva, IWPR CA Editor Timur Toktonaliev, and IWPR editor in Tajikistan Marat Mamadshoev spoke about the standards of analytical articles, technical details, and rules for working with data.
Timur Shaimergenov, Ph.D. in Political Science, Deputy Director of the Library of the First President of Kazakhstan -Elbasy (Nazarbayev Centre), spoke about the basics of expert analysis and provided specific recommendations about the structure and content of expert articles.
The second day of the School was devoted to the analysis of public policy in the Chatham House format, i.e. when all participants of the discussion are anonymous. Director of Central Asian Institute for Strategic Studies Anna Gusarova spoke about the features of public policy in Central Asia.
Alexey Malashenko, Chief Researcher at the Institute of World Economy and International Relations of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Ph.D. in History, spoke about the advisers’ role in making certain political decisions. According to Alexey Malashenko, politicians often ignore professional advice and this leads to dire consequences. The third day of training covered the various aspects of information wars and the influence of world powers on the Central Asian information sphere. Adil Kaukenov (LLM in International Law, Director of the Centre for Chinese Studies), Anna Gusarova (Director of Central Asian Institute for Strategic Studies), Inga Sikorskaya (Program Director of the School of Peacemaking and Media
Technology in Central Asia), Muslimbek Buriev (independent researcher and consultant at the Eurasia Foundation of Central Asia) spoke to the School participants. The speakers and participants discussed hate speech, cybersecurity and the measures authorities take regarding social media regulation and civic activism.
According to Inga Sikorskaya, it is important to distinguish propaganda, the main features of which are the creation of an enemy image, its demonization,
appeals to prejudice, the use of mythical experts, and humiliating clichés. Then, Maksym Yakovlev (Head of the Department of International Relations, Director of the School for Policy Analysis of the National University “Kyiv-Mohyla Academy”, Associate Professor, and Ph.D. in political science) spoke about populism in politics and threats it poses to society.
The fourth day started with the presentation by Azizjon Azimi (Zypl.ai CEO and Harvard Kennedy School alumnus) about the effective use of artificial intelligence and machine learning techniques for improving the analysis quality and efficiency.
The next day, Saviya Khasanova (data journalist, trainer on data analysis and visualisation) spoke about the golden rules of data visualisation, discussed the common mistakes, and defined the types of charts that are best for certain content. In conclusion, the participants successfully applied the acquired knowledge in practice.
On the final day, Yuliy Yusupov (Director of the Centre for Economic Development, Uzbekistan) presented the interdisciplinary approaches in economic research. He drew attention to the relationship between economics and several other disciplines: mathematics, history, anthropology, sociology, and their interaction and diffusion. Yuliy Yusupov also spoke about the influence of traditions and stereotypes on economic development, and the features of economic thinking.
In addition, Yuliy Yusupov listed the main factors characterising the relationship between the state and the economy in Uzbekistan. He believes the
sectoral management structures, as a rule, simultaneously perform incompatible functions in the country (by definition, different organisations should perform those functions). The expert shared valuable experience on how to influence political decisions and reforms, for example, to achieve significant liberalisation of the currency market in Uzbekistan.
During the award ceremony and certification by CABAR.asia, the participants actively shared their impressions.
Kanat Nogoibaev noted that the weeklong School of Analytics exceeded all his expectations; he received a huge amount of interesting information and listened to incredible speakers. According to him, the advantage of the School was that the program included different topics and cases. “What impressed me the most was that many speakers discussed the cases from their practice – not just theories, but the real-life situations,” said the alumnus of the Fourth CABAR.asia School.
Asylgul Kanatbekova, an alumna of the Fourth School of Analytics: “This year, the School surprised me – its program included Saviya Khasanova’s workshop on data analytics. The School was intense but fun at the same time, especially the Quiz Night in English – it was a lot of fun! I will also remember the networking during the dinner after the first day – the cheerful atmosphere, live communication, national music of the Central Asian peoples.
The country presentations were very interesting and outstanding and I learned more about Central Asian culture. The main advice I want to give to future participants is to apply for CABAR.asia School of Analytics, this is a great opportunity to learn how to write about the current problems of the region and start your career in analytics.”
Another School alumna Kunduz Adylbekova noted the professional implementation of the project and its intensive program.
“I would like to mention Adil Kaukenov and his presentation on Chinese issues and their impact on the Central Asian region. The presentation by Saviya Khasanova was also very practical, which is extremely important for me.” Kunduz also highlighted the fact that “by bringing together the young experts from all over Central Asia, the project creates very important ties at the cultural and personal level, which is very valuable!”
As alumni of the School previously mentioned, within the framework of extra-curricular activities, they had the opportunity to become acquainted, build the interpersonal ties so necessary in the region, and establish intercountry communication at the expert level. After the School completion, the CABAR.asia analytical materials editors will continue working with all participants, who will become the authors and experts of the CABAR.asia platform.
