Russia
Central Asia in Focus: Kazakhstan’s Referendum on Nuclear Power
In this week’s edition: Kazakhstan conducted a national referendum on constructing the country’s first nuclear power plant, the court decision in the controversial trial of Kyrgyz journalists is expected soon,…
Kazakhstan’s Controversial Nuclear Power Vote
Kazakhs will vote on October 6 in a national referendum to authorize construction of a nuclear power plant.
Central Asia in Focus: Uzbek Senate Adopts “Undesirable Foreigner” Law
In this week’s edition: Uzbekistan’s Senate adopted the its “undesirable foreigners” law, the role of “Russian Community” Nationalists’ role in raids on migrant communities grows, and more.
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…
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.
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.