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What Will Trump’s Policy Be Toward Central Asia?

We know what U.S. policy for Central Asia was when Donald Trump was president the first time. But the region has changed significantly in the four years since. U.S. forces are no longer in Afghanistan, the relationships between Central Asia’s governments and Russia have shifted since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, trade routes have expanded, and there are new issues like energy resources and access to critical minerals. Joining host Bruce Pannier to discuss U.S.-Central Asian ties under the second Trump administration are guests Bakyt Beshimov, a former member of Kyrgyzstan’s parliament and former Kyrgyz ambassador to the OSCE and to India who now teaches at Northeastern University in Boston; Richard Hoagland of the Washington-based Caspian Policy Center, who previously served as U.S. ambassador to Kazakhstan and Tajikistan and charge d’affaires to Turkmenistan; and Eric Rudenshiold, also of the Washington-based Caspian Policy Center, who served as director for Central Asia in the National Security Council under both Trump and President Joe Biden.


Majlis podcast

Latest Episodes

In this monthly 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

Human Rights Watch Calls Out ‘Worsening’ Situation In Central Asia

Human Rights Watch’s (HRW) annual report points to a deterioration in rights in Central Asia in such areas as civil society, freedom of media, the judicial process, the rights of…

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

What Will Trump’s Policy Be Toward Central Asia?

We know what U.S. policy for Central Asia was when Donald Trump was president the first time. But the region has changed significantly in the four years since.

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.

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