Kazakhstan
Russia’s Power Play In Central Asia
Russia’s longtime influence in Central Asia seemed to fade after the launch of its full-scale war on Ukraine in February 2022, as other countries pursued stronger relations with Central Asian…
Journalists in Trouble: Alsu Kurmasheva Receives National Press Club President’s Award
Alsu Kurmasheva receives National Press Club President’s Award; Andrey Kuznechyk marks 1,000 days in prison; former RFE/RL correspondent dies in Turkmenistan; and more.
Central Asia in Focus: Independent Media Outlets Back Under Pressure in Kyrgyzstan
In this week’s edition: independent media outlets in Kyrgyzstan face renewed pressure from the authorities, Russian politicians support bans on migrant laborers bringing their families to Russia, and more.
The Racialization Of Central Asians In Russia
Racialization is the process of viewing a specific people with preconceived notions about them. In Russia, non-Russians — particularly people from Asia or the South Caucasus — have long been…
Central Asia in Focus: Kazakhstan Officially Accepts Credentials of Taliban Envoy
In this week’s edition: Kazakhstan’s Foreign Ministry has officially recognized the Taliban envoy, Russia puts sanctions on the Aga Khan Network, and more.
Decolonizing Central Asia
Russia’s historical legacy in Central Asia has come under increased scrutiny in the region since Russia launched its full-scale war in Ukraine.
Central Asia in Focus: Central Asians Face Detention and Deportation in Russia
In this week’s edition: Russian authorities are increasingly detaining Central Asian migrant laborers, Kazakhstan seeks more than $160 billion in a lawsuit over an oil field, and more.
Journalists in Trouble: Alsu Kurmasheva Freed in Historic Prisoner Swap, Reunited with Family
Alsu Kurmasheva freed in historic prisoner swap; RFE/RL president testifies before Congress; Kazakhstan passes new media law; and more.
Legislating Fashion In Central Asia
In late June, Tajikistan passed a law on “alien clothing” that bans certain types of Islamic attire, particularly from Arab countries, and some types of Western clothing.
Central Asia in Focus: Is a Karakalpak Leader Being Tortured in Prison?
In this week’s edition: Karakalpak lawyer and rights activist Dauletmurat Tazhimuratov is allegedly being tortured in an Uzbek prison, Kazakhstan looks to become a major source of critical minerals, and…