Search RFE/RL

How Distant Wars Impact Central Asia

Geographically, Central Asia is located a comfortable distance away from the wars in the Caucasus, Ukraine, and the Middle East, but these conflicts affect the region.

Geographically, Central Asia is located a comfortable distance away from the wars in the Caucasus, Ukraine, and the Middle East, but these conflicts affect Central Asia’s governments, as well as the region’s people. For different reasons, the fighting in those three areas is causing rifts and bringing new challenges. How are the region’s governments reacting to the conflicts? How do Central Asia’s residents feel about the wars — and their leaders’ responses to them? Which combatants can Central Asians openly support, and how? Joining host Bruce Pannier to look at these questions are Joseph Epstein, a legislative fellow at the Endowment for Middle East Truth who focuses on the post-Soviet Space and the Middle East; Mukhtar Senggirbay, managing editor at RFE/RL’s Kazakh Service, known locally as Azattyq; and Salimjon Aioubov, director of RFERL’s Tajik Service, known locally as Ozodi. (Editor’s Note: Some of the claims made by podcast participants about the fighting between Israel and Hamas — designated a terrorist organization by the U.S. and EU — have not been confirmed.)

Majlis podcast

Latest Episodes

Each week, host Bruce Pannier welcomes a panel of expert guests to discuss significant political developments and pressing social issues affecting the nations of Central Asia.

An image of the logo for the Majlis Podcast, which focus on Central Asian issues

Violence Against Women Increasing in Central Asia

This year’s edition of the international 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence campaign got under way on November 25.

An image of the logo for the Majlis Podcast, which focus on Central Asian issues

What Do Central Asians Think About China?

China’s presence in Central Asia has been growing for 30 years. China is now a leading trade and security partner, foreign investor, and source of everyday goods available in markets…

An image of the logo for the Majlis Podcast, which focus on Central Asian issues

No Safe Haven In Europe For Central Asian Opposition

Tajik opposition activist Dilmurod Ergashev arrived in Tajikistan on November 7, after he was deported from Germany, where he had been seeking asylum since 2011.

An image of the logo for the Majlis Podcast, which focus on Central Asian issues

Diving Deep Into Tajikistan’s Armed Forces

The Oxus Society for Central Asian Affairs just released a detailed report on military and security forces in Tajikistan.

An image of the logo for the Majlis Podcast, which focus on Central Asian issues

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…

An image of the logo for the Majlis Podcast, which focus on Central Asian issues

Kazakhstan’s Controversial Nuclear Power Vote

Kazakhs will vote on October 6 in a national referendum to authorize construction of a nuclear power plant.

An image of the logo for the Majlis Podcast, which focus on Central Asian issues

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…

An image of the logo for the Majlis Podcast, which focus on Central Asian issues

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…

Subscribe to the Central Asia in Focus Newsletter

RFE/RL’s Central Asia in Focus newsletter delivers the latest news and insights direct to your inbox.

By clicking above to subscribe, you acknowledge that your information will be transferred to our marketing platform, Mailchimp for processing. Learn more about Mailchimp’s privacy practices.