A Day Inside Putin’s Surreal Television Empire
How the nonstop blare of Russian state media fuels the war effort—and blurs reality.
List of Central Asia articles
![Russian President Vladimir Putin greets Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev.]()
Russian President Vladimir Putin greets Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev.
It’s a New Great Game. Again.
Across Central Asia, Russia’s brand is tainted by Ukraine, China’s got challenges, and Washington senses another opening.
![The author stands on the nuclear bombing test fields in Kazakhstan.]()
The author stands on the nuclear bombing test fields in Kazakhstan.
Can Kazakhstan Bury Its Nuclear Past?
Forgetting the site where Russia became a nuclear power comes with its own risks.
![Damage is seen in the aftermath of protests in Kazakhstan.]()
Damage is seen in the aftermath of protests in Kazakhstan.
The Other Jan. 6
One year on, events in Kazakhstan that cemented its president’s grip on power remain shrouded in mystery.
![An encounter with the local authorities in Samarkand, Uzbekistan.]()
An encounter with the local authorities in Samarkand, Uzbekistan.
Russia’s Great Reverse Migration
Central Asians used to flee the Soviet empire’s periphery for Moscow. Russia’s mobilization has sent escaping Muscovites in the other direction.
![A boy rides his bicycle past a burned-out store in Batken, Kyrgyzstan, on Sept. 22.]()
A boy rides his bicycle past a burned-out store in Batken, Kyrgyzstan, on Sept. 22.
Eurasia Is More Than Russia’s Backyard
Viewing recent conflicts in the Caucasus and Central Asia through the lens of Moscow’s political calculus overlooks important internal dynamics.
![Putin is seated and looks off in the distance.]()
Putin is seated and looks off in the distance.
Russia Is Losing Its Clout in Central Asia as Ukraine War Spirals
Central Asian powers are learning that Putin is not the tough neighborhood sheriff he claimed to be.
![Russians arrive at the Syrym border crossing in Kazakhstan on Sept. 27.]()
Russians arrive at the Syrym border crossing in Kazakhstan on Sept. 27.
Central Asia Faces a Russian Migrant Crisis
As men flee Putin’s draft, Russia’s neighbors struggle to cope.
![A chicken runs near a burned-out house in the village of Kapchygay, near the Kyrgyz-Tajik border, on Sept. 21.]()
A chicken runs near a burned-out house in the village of Kapchygay, near the Kyrgyz-Tajik border, on Sept. 21.
Why Russia and China Aren’t Intervening in Central Asia
As tensions between Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan flared, Moscow and Beijing chose to remain on the sidelines.
![A Chinese bank employee counts 100-yuan notes and U.S. dollar bills]()
A Chinese bank employee counts 100-yuan notes and U.S. dollar bills
China Is Quietly Trying to Dethrone the Dollar
Regional groups and small banks are helping insulate Beijing against sanctions.
![Leaders of Shanghai Cooperation Organisation member states pose for a family photo during a summit in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, on Sept. 16.]()
Leaders of Shanghai Cooperation Organisation member states pose for a family photo during a summit in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, on Sept. 16.
Kazakhstan Is Breaking Out of Russia’s Grip
The Ukraine war has given Astana a unique chance to frustrate Moscow.
![China's President Xi Jinping, Russian President Vladimir Putin, Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev and other participants attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) leaders' summit in Samarkand, Uzbekistan on Sept. 16.]()
China's President Xi Jinping, Russian President Vladimir Putin, Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev and other participants attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) leaders' summit in Samarkand, Uzbekistan on Sept. 16.
Why Xi Jinping Chose Central Asia for His First Post-COVID-19 Trip
The region has long served as a testing ground for Beijing’s economic and foreign-policy ambitions and is becoming increasingly close to China.
![Taliban fighters]()
Taliban fighters
The Taliban’s Neighbors Fear Afghanistan’s ‘Boiling Pot’ of Terrorism
A three-day conference in Uzbekistan has united the region, worried about the guerrillas in their midst.
![People walk near a large white mosque with green domes in the evening.]()
People walk near a large white mosque with green domes in the evening.
Uzbekistan’s Unrest, Explained
Violent protests over proposed changes to its status have swept the autonomous region of Karakalpakstan.
![Demonstrators hold placards during a rally in support of Ukraine in Almaty, Kazakhstan on March 6.]()
Demonstrators hold placards during a rally in support of Ukraine in Almaty, Kazakhstan on March 6.
Former Soviet States Are Distancing Themselves From Their Old Imperial Master
The war in Ukraine is prompting countries from Kazakhstan to Moldova to reexamine their colonial past and seek diplomatic allies beyond the Kremlin.
![Protesters rally over energy prices in Kazakhstan.]()
Protesters rally over energy prices in Kazakhstan.
How Western Media Framed Kazakhstan’s Protests
A complicated conflict was reduced to an easy narrative of riots and chaos.
![Protesters wave flags during a rally in Almaty.]()
Protesters wave flags during a rally in Almaty.
Kazakhstan’s Reforms Should Be More Than Just Show
Promised changes after January’s chaos are unpromising so far.
![Schoolgirls look out through a window while attending class at their bullet-riddled school in the Afghan village of Arzo.]()
Schoolgirls look out through a window while attending class at their bullet-riddled school in the Afghan village of Arzo.
World Bank Freeze Leaves Afghanistan Bracing for Economic Impact
Amid Taliban crackdowns, the country continues to be locked out of billions of dollars in crucial international funds, with little resolution in sight.
![People protest for political reform and the release of political prisoners in Kazakhstan.]()
People protest for political reform and the release of political prisoners in Kazakhstan.
Kazakhstan Can’t Torture Its Way to Stability
Until the Tokayev regime shows remorse for its brutal crackdown, the country’s reforms won’t bring progress.
![Turkmen President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov poses with an ancient Akhal-Teke breed three years old studhorse, Begkhan, that won an Inernational Annual Horse Beauty contest in Ashgabat on April 23, 2016.]()
Turkmen President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov poses with an ancient Akhal-Teke breed three years old studhorse, Begkhan, that won an Inernational Annual Horse Beauty contest in Ashgabat on April 23, 2016.
Turkmenistan Is All About the Berdimuhamedovs
Central Asia is about to receive its first dynastic family.
Load 10 More Articles
It’s a New Great Game. Again.
Across Central Asia, Russia’s brand is tainted by Ukraine, China’s got challenges, and Washington senses another opening.
Can Kazakhstan Bury Its Nuclear Past?
Forgetting the site where Russia became a nuclear power comes with its own risks.
The Other Jan. 6
One year on, events in Kazakhstan that cemented its president’s grip on power remain shrouded in mystery.
Russia’s Great Reverse Migration
Central Asians used to flee the Soviet empire’s periphery for Moscow. Russia’s mobilization has sent escaping Muscovites in the other direction.
Eurasia Is More Than Russia’s Backyard
Viewing recent conflicts in the Caucasus and Central Asia through the lens of Moscow’s political calculus overlooks important internal dynamics.
Russia Is Losing Its Clout in Central Asia as Ukraine War Spirals
Central Asian powers are learning that Putin is not the tough neighborhood sheriff he claimed to be.
Central Asia Faces a Russian Migrant Crisis
As men flee Putin’s draft, Russia’s neighbors struggle to cope.
Why Russia and China Aren’t Intervening in Central Asia
As tensions between Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan flared, Moscow and Beijing chose to remain on the sidelines.
China Is Quietly Trying to Dethrone the Dollar
Regional groups and small banks are helping insulate Beijing against sanctions.
Kazakhstan Is Breaking Out of Russia’s Grip
The Ukraine war has given Astana a unique chance to frustrate Moscow.
Why Xi Jinping Chose Central Asia for His First Post-COVID-19 Trip
The region has long served as a testing ground for Beijing’s economic and foreign-policy ambitions and is becoming increasingly close to China.
The Taliban’s Neighbors Fear Afghanistan’s ‘Boiling Pot’ of Terrorism
A three-day conference in Uzbekistan has united the region, worried about the guerrillas in their midst.
Uzbekistan’s Unrest, Explained
Violent protests over proposed changes to its status have swept the autonomous region of Karakalpakstan.
Former Soviet States Are Distancing Themselves From Their Old Imperial Master
The war in Ukraine is prompting countries from Kazakhstan to Moldova to reexamine their colonial past and seek diplomatic allies beyond the Kremlin.
How Western Media Framed Kazakhstan’s Protests
A complicated conflict was reduced to an easy narrative of riots and chaos.
Kazakhstan’s Reforms Should Be More Than Just Show
Promised changes after January’s chaos are unpromising so far.
World Bank Freeze Leaves Afghanistan Bracing for Economic Impact
Amid Taliban crackdowns, the country continues to be locked out of billions of dollars in crucial international funds, with little resolution in sight.
Kazakhstan Can’t Torture Its Way to Stability
Until the Tokayev regime shows remorse for its brutal crackdown, the country’s reforms won’t bring progress.
Turkmenistan Is All About the Berdimuhamedovs
Central Asia is about to receive its first dynastic family.
Follow FP
