Central Asia

Research encompasses work on Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan.

Areas of interest include the countries’ relationships with Russia and China, as well as domestic political issues.

Kazakhstan is at a turning point in its history as Central Asia’s wealthiest state embarks on a bold experiment following the March 2019 decision by Nursultan Nazarbayev to resign from the presidency and initiate a managed political succession.

Uzbekistan has undertaken wide-ranging reforms including currency liberalization, eliminating forced labour and abolishing exit visas, all of which has encouraged foreign investors and the population, but protests have been growing over natural gas and electricity shortages.

Meanwhile, attempts by Western countries to promote democracy or reach out to civil society in Turkmenistan have largely failed so far, with the country’s regime causing concern internationally about its record human rights and religious freedom.

As the presidential election in Kazakhstan approaches, experts discuss the political and economic situation in the country.

Explaining the history, purpose, and political background to the Eurasian Economic Union.

To what extent has the initiative increased transparency, improved governance and expanded civic space in countries including Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Azerbaijan.

The UK’s current approach to anti-kleptocracy damages its rule of law, its standing as an opponent of international corruption and the integrity of important domestic institutions.

A partial handover of political power through an orchestrated transition takes Kazakhstan into uncharted territory. Will it be able to pursue modernization and reform, and break from its authoritarian past?

Explainers

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Exploring the definition of kleptocracy, the motivations behind it, why it flourishes in certain societies, and its global impact.

Kazakhstan is reeling from the aftershock of the largest and bloodiest unrest it has seen since independence. Without fundamental reform, protests will return.

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The attitude of Russia’s elite – and wider population – to the states which used to constitute the USSR needs to change in order to solve the Russia challenge.

Exploring the definition of kleptocracy, the motivations behind it, why it flourishes in certain societies, and its global impact.

The Ukraine invasion has detrimental consequences for the Russia-led Eurasian Economic Union, a project which has been stumbling since its inception.

Turkmenistan’s transition ushers in a new hybrid model of governance, but its entrenched authoritarian system and all-pervasive kleptocracy is unlikely to change.

Kazakhstan’s unrest is a chance for the UK’s new sanctions powers to show it is serious about tackling kleptocratic regimes. But whether it will is doubtful.

Kazakhstan is reeling from the aftershock of the largest and bloodiest unrest it has seen since independence. Without fundamental reform, protests will return.

President Tokayev claims to be focused on addressing popular grievances and curtailing the Kazakhstan oligarch class. But this promise has been made before.

How do corrupt funds from kleptocracies make their way to the UK? And what evidence is there that funds are ‘weaponized’ to achieve foreign policy goals?

Many Russia watchers recall the fleeting moment 20 years ago when the country could have moved away from a path of confrontation with the US.

The five post-Soviet Central Asia states find themselves in a newly difficult position as they navigate the return of the Taliban.

This report deconstructs 16 of the most prevalent myths that shape contemporary Western thinking on Russia, and explains their detrimental impact on the design and execution of policy.

Social media giants are increasingly clashing with Asian governments over free expression and censorship as the region lurches towards digital authoritarianism.

A new approach for the US to strengthen economic and strategic ties in the region, advance strong rules for new trade issues, and tackle China’s trade policies.

The Nur Otan ruling party swept the parliamentary elections, underscoring the continued hold on power of former president Nursultan Nazarbayev.

Upcoming presidential and parliamentary elections combined with constitutional changes make the Central Asian state’s future even less predictable than usual.

Member content

Michael Sellman reports on a new approach to the global housing shortage.

Boys ride scooters during International Children's Day (June 1) at the central Ala-Too Square in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. Photo by VYACHESLAV OSELEDKO/AFP via Getty Images.

Responding to coronavirus has amplified the disparities between the five Central Asia countries. But no winners will emerge, as the real economic and social challenges remain ahead.

This week Ben explores the political outlook in Kazakshtan with colleagues from the Russia and Eurasia Programme.

Shavkat Mirziyoyev has implemented a number of important reforms, but is now entering a more hazardous period.

Despite its regional outreach, Kazakhstan’s diplomatic priority will remain Russia, China, and Europe.

Examining examples showing the sustainability of Afghanistan’s economy is predicated on the degree to which it is integrated with its neighbours.

The most striking aspect of recent demonstrations has been a call for dignity and decent living standards, rather than regime change as a political end in itself.

While his Central Asian peers died in office, were ousted by revolutions, and saw their legacies dismantled by their successors, Kazakhstan’s Nursultan Nazarbayev resigned - the first president in the region to step down of his own volition.

In the first of a new annual series, Chatham House experts examine how aspects of the established order in global affairs are shifting.

Regardless of its multiple shortcomings, the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) should not be dismissed out of hand.

Member content

An expert in saving sight on tackling the effects of TB in Uzbekistan

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Brexit must not distract the EU and Nato from region’s rumbling crises, warns Stephen Blank

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David Lewis on Russia and China’s tug of war over the states along the Silk Road

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Backlash to land reform makes regime stop and think, writes Alex Nice

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Smaller states selling to the highest bidder; not a distant Cold War memory, rather a new reality in Central Asia. And for good measure, as he shakes hands on a new deal with Russia the president

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This panel discussion explores perspectives on the war and discusses scenarios for its evolution and resolution.

What is at stake in the upcoming presidential and parliamentary elections?

In conversation with Andrew Mitchell, Minister of State, UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office. A coffee reception will take place after this event.

How is diplomacy contributing to advancing human rights through the multilateral system?

Exploring the domestic and international signals from the first annual session of the 14th National People’s Congress.

How can a rapid, equitable green transition navigate the increasingly difficult circumstances resulting from the deepening climate and ecological crisis?

In conversation with Dmytro Kuleba, minister of foreign affairs of Ukraine, about how multilateral organizations struggle to respond adequately to Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

What should community-based rebuilding mean?

Authors and experts discuss the findings of a new research paper on Israeli-Emirati normalization and its implications for regional security and integration.

A panel of Iraqi and international officials and experts discuss the legacy of the 2003 invasion.

The former prime minister of Israel discusses his country’s political outlook and foreign policy priorities.

Exploring how more effective partnerships can improve access to healthcare.

From migration to Russia and China, how is Albania responding to the geopolitical challenges of today?

What were the main lessons for today’s conflicts from the way in which the war in Iraq played out?

This event explores what balance between pressure and dialogue is most likely to incentivise North Korea to limit its provocations.

This event launches Brexit and Energy Law: Implications and Opportunities, a comprehensive analysis of the impact of Brexit on the energy sector in the UK and EU.

A conference where analysts and experts reflect on their experiences and lessons learned from a decade of upheaval and contention in the region since the Arab Spring.

With the increasingly significant role that women play in national defence, will perceptions change or are current attitudes towards women in uniform here to stay?

The former president of the Indian National Congress discusses how today’s world will set the path for the world’s biggest democracy.

This panel discusses the place for Ukraine in the European security framework and Europe’s preparedness to continue supporting Ukraine in a prolonged war.

How G7 countries should best respond to global economic and security challenges in order to defend the liberal international order.

This International Affairs webinar explores the ‘polymorphic’ nature of calls for institutional justice today.

Examining how recent political evolutions in Venezuela provide an opportunity to initiate multi-stakeholder collective action to start addressing and tackling risks.

Chatham House experts examine how the world has changed since 24 February 2022.

Lisa Monaco, the US deputy attorney general, discusses how autocratic governments and malign cyber actors use disruptive technologies to project power and engage in illicit activity.