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Central Asia Pushes Back On Russian Critiques

Russian officials and celebrities have become increasingly critical of the countries and peoples of Central Asia since the Kremlin launched its full-scale war on Ukraine in February 2022 — and…

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…

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.