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The Rise Of The Organization Of Turkic States

Turkey is building up its influence in Central Asia — as shown by the Organization of Turkic States (OTS).

Turkey is building up its influence in Central Asia — as shown by the Organization of Turkic States (OTS). The OTS includes Turkey, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan; Turkmenistan and Hungary are OTS observer members. The growing cooperation between these states since Russia launched its full-scale war in Ukraine accelerated in 2024, in such sectors as investment, trade, transport, energy, and security. Joining host Bruce Pannier to look at developments in the OTS are guests Assel Tutumlu, a lecturer at the International Relations and Political Science Department at the Near East University in Cyprus, and Johan Engvall, from the Stockholm Centre for Eastern European Studies (SCEEUS), based at the Swedish Institute of International Affairs.

Majlis podcast

Latest Episodes

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

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.

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

The Rise Of The Organization Of Turkic States

Turkey is building up its influence in Central Asia — as shown by the Organization of Turkic States (OTS).

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

Tajik Government’s Crackdown In Gorno-Badakhshan Enters Third Year

Two years have passed since the Tajik government launched its crackdown on residents of the Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Oblast, or GBAO.

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

Clamping Down On Religious Freedom In Central Asia

The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) just released its annual report on freedom of religion in the world.

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

British Foreign Secretary Cameron Visits Central Asia

British Foreign Secretary David Cameron just completed an official trip to all five Central Asian states.

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

Are Tajik Government Policies Helping Create Terrorists?

Can an authoritarian government’s policies contribute to its citizens becoming terrorists?

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

Tajiks In Russia Living In Fear After Moscow Terrorist Attack

Russian security forces arrested several Tajik citizens in the wake of the March 22 attack on the Crocus City Hall outside Moscow that left more than 140 dead.

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