Russia’s Stripped Its Western Borders to Feed the Fight in Ukraine
But Finland and the Baltic states are still leery of Moscow’s long-term designs.
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.
Central Asia Braces for Fallout of U.S. Pullout From Afghanistan
Since the war began, America has had one lens for Central Asia. What happens now?
Uzbekistan’s Online Religious Revival
After years of state oppression, many Uzbeks are finding stricter interpretations of Islam on the internet. Some experts say it could have radical consequences.
Indians and Central Asians Are the New Face of the Islamic State
Terrorists from India, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and Kyrgyzstan were never at the forefront of global jihad before—now they are.
Putin Is Ruling Russia Like a Central Asian Dictator
The Kremlin didn’t invent term limit resets and constitutional referendums. The autocratic leaders of Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan blazed the trail.
It’s Not Time to End the Uzbek Cotton Boycott Yet
Companies should not buy Uzbekistan’s cotton until labor protections and responsible sourcing are guaranteed.
The Boycott on Uzbek Cotton Needs to End
It could help modernize the country’s economy.
Central Asian States Can’t Hide the Coronavirus Any Longer
Authoritarian states have been downplaying numbers. That won’t last.
Tashkent Underground
The Ilkhom Theatre Company has kept freedom alive in Uzbekistan since before the fall of the Soviet Union.
Uzbekistan’s New Era Might Just Be Real
Long-needed reforms are changing what was once a grim autocracy. Washington can help.
For Uzbeks, Radicalization Often Begins Abroad
The Islamic State has ramped up its Russian-language recruitment.
Uzbekistan Forced Labor Linked to World Bank Projects, Advocates Say
A new report from Human Rights Watch and Uzbek activists alleges the continued use of forced and child labor in harvesting the Central Asian country’s cotton crop.
In First Vote Since Autocrat’s Death, Uzbekistan’s New President Inherits Looming Economic Crisis
For the first time in 25 years, Uzbekistan has a new president -- and he's left fixing a host of economic and political problems.
This Uzbek Mayor Is Publishing Names of Divorced Couples to Embarrass Them
This Uzbek mayor is threatening to publish names of couples who seek divorce.
Where the War on Terror Lives Forever
Uzbekistan’s dictator is dead, but his brutal efforts to crush Islamist extremism leave a long and ugly legacy. And Washington will be left cleaning up the mess.
Islam Karimov and the Dictator’s Playbook
The tyrant of Uzbekistan assassinated his enemies, jailed anyone who spoke against him, and crushed human rights. Why did America so willingly look the other way?
A Perfect Storm in Central Asia
For years, the five ex-Soviet republics have enjoyed surprising stability. But Russia’s economic crisis is shaking their foundations.
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