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.

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

Protesters take part in a rally over a hike in energy prices in Almaty, Kazakhstan where a nationwide state of emergency was declared after the protests erupted into violent clashes. Photo by ABDUAZIZ MADYAROV/AFP via Getty Images.

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.

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?

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

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.

Arrivals at Manas International Airport near Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. Many of Russia's workers from former Soviet states are coming home due to a weak Russian economy but may face even fewer job prospects. Photo by VYACHESLAV OSELEDKO/AFP via Getty Images.

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

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

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

Activists and Kazakhstani diaspora protest against human rights violations in Kazakhstan outside the country's embassy in London, England. Photo by Guy Smallman/Getty images.

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.

$A Russian peacekeeper in Kazakhstan as part of the (CSTO) Collective Security Council contingent sent in following unrest after protests in western Kazakhstan sparked by rising fuel prices. Photo by Valery Sharifulin\TASS via Getty Images.$

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.

Evacuees from Kabul arrive at Tashkent, Uzbekistan in a military aircraft following the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan. Photo by Handout/Bundeswehr via Getty Images.

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.

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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 in June. Photo: Getty Images.

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.

A woman walks past riot police a day after Kazakhstan's presidential elections. Photo: Getty Images.

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.

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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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Key policymakers discuss how the UK, Germany and their allies can coordinate their approaches while engaging with China on global issues.

In conversation with Odile Renaud-Basso, president of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development.

As progress is made against high inflation, what are the long-term consequences?

Authors from the July issue of International Affairs discuss how Asian nations approach the liberal world order and US-China competition.

Who are the new generation of scientists promoted to China’s Politburo and what does their appointment mean for Beijing’s policymaking?

Climate experts explore policy responses to build preparedness and resilience to extreme heat.

How can a long and durable peace be found to safeguard Ukraine and Europe’s future? A networking reception will follow this event.

In conversation with Dr Colin H. Kahl, US Under Secretary of Defense for Policy.

Exploring avenues for strengthening decision-making collectively across the international health and finance communities.

Examining the dilemmas of working in Afghanistan two years after the Taliban’s return to power.

Experts discuss how NATO can best prepare for climate-related security challenges.

Leading experts of Libya analyse the foundations of Libya’s post–2011 order.

In conversation with Brad Smith, the Rt Hon Tony Blair, and Baroness Martha Lane Fox.

London Climate Action Week 2023 event: exploring ways to expose and remove structural barriers to marginalized people exercising their power in the face of climate vulnerability.

Can China and the US avoid an escalatory spiral while Taiwan maintains its de facto independence?

London Climate Action Week 2023 event: exploring how governments in Europe and beyond can prepare to meet the challenge of cross-border cascading risks.

London Climate Action Week 2023 event: exploring the intersection of sustainability concepts such as the Triple Bottom Line, Green Swans, and the recently proposed Planetary Welcare state framework.

London Climate Action Week 2023 event: Can the world harness new technologies to advance climate data?

Yemeni and international policymakers and experts discuss prospects for peace in Yemen.

With Japanese diplomacy at a crossroads in its history, this event takes a look at the guiding principles for a new chapter of Japan-UK relations.

Liu Jianchao, minister from the International Department of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, explores common causes and goals for China and the world.

In conjunction with the international Ukraine Recovery Conference 2023.

How to balance international trade with efforts to enhance domestic economic resilience?

What role is there for the US and UK to lead?

Tharman Shanmugaratnam, senior minister in Singapore and chair of the board of the Group of Thirty, discusses domestic and multilateral strategies to build resilience and optimism in an era of profound insecurity.

Does the UK’s economic position match its foreign policy ambitions?

Exploring the stalled Venezuela negotiations, international sanctions, the upcoming 2024 presidential elections, and a potential – although uncertain – path forward.

Chris Stark, chief executive of the Climate Change Committee, covers the key opportunities and challenges facing climate policy in the UK.

Authors from the May issue of International Affairs explore the strategies used by international organizations to gain legitimacy around the world.

Discussing the outlook for Hong Kong’s democracy movement, with many leading activists in jail, on trial, or in exile, and Beijing’s pressure on the city intensifying.