Understanding Central Asia’s Cautious Approach to Russia’s Invasion of Ukraine
The governments in Central Asia are treading cautiously in their remarks about Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Central Asia, too,...
A nation must think before it acts.
Kazakhstan
How the Intervention in Kazakhstan Revitalized the Russian-led CSTO
Executive Summary The Russian Federation-led Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) has existed for nearly 30 years, and, during...
Kazakhstan’s System Malfunctions
It may be a cliché, but Kazakhstan’s ongoing dramatic crisis recalls one of Lenin’s most famous quotes, “There are...
A ‘Bright Path’ Forward or a Grim Dead End? The Political Impact of the Belt and Road Initiative in Kazakhstan
Executive Summary This report assesses the political impact of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) in Kazakhstan. Specifically,...
Chinese Business in Central Asia: How Crony Capitalism is Eroding Justice
China’s economic influence in Central Asia has gained a new character after President Xi Jinping came to power. In...
Elections in Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan: The Challenges of Retaining Power
On January 10, Kazakhstan held elections for its lower house while Kyrgyzstan held presidential elections and a national referendum...
Russia and China’s Quiet Rivalry in Central Asia
How does the People’s Republic of China use multilateral institutions in Central Asia? In the 1990s and early 2000s,...
Central Asian Gas Exports to China: Beijing’s Latest Bargaining Chip?
Natural gas supplies to the People’s Republic of China have helped drive Central Asia’s economic growth for the last...
COVID-19’s Negative Effect on Democratization in Central Asia
Around the world, the COVID-19 pandemic is highlighting issues beyond public health. In Europe, for example, the crisis is...
Central Asia’s Force Majeure Fears: Impact of COVID-19 Outbreak on China’s Natural Gas Supply Demands
China’s COVID-19 outbreak has seen Beijing’s demand for natural gas stutter, after years of breakneck expansion. In February, China's...