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Kazakhstan’s Controversial Nuclear Power Vote

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

Kazakhs will vote on October 6 in a national referendum to authorize construction of a nuclear power plant. In recent winters, Kazakhstan has experienced severe power shortages, and Kazakh officials assert that nuclear power could help fill the gap. People remember, however, that 456 nuclear weapons were detonated in northeastern Kazakhstan between 1949 and 1989 as part of the Soviet Union’s testing program. The byproducts of these tests continue to affect public health in the region, and many people in Kazakhstan are not pleased with the prospect of nuclear power. Joining host Bruce Pannier to discuss the pros, cons, and controversy of Kazakhstan’s proposed nuclear power plant are guests Togzhan Kassenova, author of the widely acclaimed book Atomic Steppe: How Kazakhstan Gave Up The Bomb; Aya Renaud, an editor at RFE/RL’s Kazakh Service, known locally as Azattyq; and Darkhan Umirbekov, digital editor at Azattyq, who is based in Astana.

Majlis podcast

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In this biweekly podcast, host Bruce Pannier welcomes 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

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…

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

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.

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

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.

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

Three Years With The Taliban As Neighbors

Nearly three years have passed since the Taliban returned to power in Afghanistan, to the dismay of much of the world.

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

Suppressing Karakalpakstan’s Sovereignty

Two years have passed since violence erupted in western Uzbekistan’s Karakalpakstan Sovereign Republic.

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

The Threat Posed by IS-K To Central Asia — And Beyond

The threat of terrorism is never far from the minds of officials in Central Asia, who know that their region shares a 2,000-kilometer border with Afghanistan.

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