Bruce Pannier
Bruce Pannier is a longtime journalist and correspondent covering Central Asia. He currently writes Central Asia in Focus and hosts the Majlis podcast for RFE/RL. Prior to joining RFE/RL in 1997, Bruce worked at the Open Media Research Institute in Prague. In 1992, he led a sociological project in Central Asia sponsored by the University of Manchester and the Soros Cultural Initiative Foundation. During that time he lived in villages in Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan. Bruce studied at Tashkent State University in the summer of 1990 and studied at Columbia University under Professor Edward Allworth. Bruce has also written for The Economist, Janes Intelligence, Oxford Analytica, Freedom House, The Cairo Review, the FSU Oil & Gas Monitor, and Energo Weekly.
Latest Updates
Central Asia in Focus: Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan Claim to Foil Terrorist Plots
In this week’s edition: Kazakh and Kyrgyz authorities detain people suspected of having ties to terrorist groups, the United Nations Working Group on Arbitrary Detention calls on Tajik authorities to…
Suppressing Karakalpakstan’s Sovereignty
Two years have passed since violence erupted in western Uzbekistan’s Karakalpakstan Sovereign Republic.
Central Asia in Focus: Russia Continues Sending Central Asians to Ukraine
In this week’s edition: Russia continues to send Central Asians to fight in its full-scale war on Ukraine, the Kazakh government faces criticism over its new media law, and more.
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.
Central Asia in Focus: ISKP Members Detained in Kyrgyzstan
In this week’s edition: multiple ISKP members were detained in Kyrgyzstan, a Tajik town lives in fear of mysterious men in black, and more.
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).
Central Asia in Focus: The Difficult Russian Partner
In this week’s edition: Russia is on the minds of parliamentary leaders in Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, Tajik authorities published their updated list of groups that are banned in Tajikistan, and…
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.
Central Asia in Focus: Many Problems Surround Bishkek Violence on May 17-18
In this week’s edition: South Asian students in Bishkek are targeted during a night of violence, Kazakh flood victims are frustrated with the state’s slow response, and more.
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.
Central Asia in Focus: The Kazakh Venue for Peace Talks
In this week’s edition: Almaty will host upcoming talks between the Armenian and Azerbaijani foreign ministers, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan are both planning to build nuclear power plants, and more.
British Foreign Secretary Cameron Visits Central Asia
British Foreign Secretary David Cameron just completed an official trip to all five Central Asian states.
Central Asia in Focus: Kazakhstan’s Lower House Passes Controversial Draft Media Law
In this week’s edition: Kazakhstan’s lower house of parliament passed a controversial draft media law, massive dust storms are hitting Central Asia, and more.
Are Tajik Government Policies Helping Create Terrorists?
Can an authoritarian government’s policies contribute to its citizens becoming terrorists?
Central Asia in Focus: Central Asians Targeted in Russia
In this week’s edition: Central Asians are being targeted in Russia, Kyrgyzstan’s President explains the need for a “foreign representatives” law, and more.
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