Central Asia

Some hoped the war would pivot Astana’s foreign policy towards the West – but economic ties with Moscow have deepened.

As dust storms in the Middle East become increasingly frequent and intense, adversaries must cooperate to address the causes.

The Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) undertook a ‘symbolic’ military intervention in Kazakhstan, mere months before Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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

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

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

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

Some say the Fergana Valley is a hotbed of extremism. But Russia and Eurasia Programme Manager James Nixey found it exciting for quite different reasons.

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.

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.

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?

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

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.