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Recent episodes
Bishkek's Backlash, Russia's New Red Lines, and a Caspian in Crisis
May 3, 2026
Unknown duration
Florida Diplomacy, Kazakh Arrests, and the China-Kyrgyzstan Railway
Apr 19, 2026
Unknown duration
Arrests, Agreements and the Afghanistan-Pakistan Conflict
Apr 5, 2026
Unknown duration
Referendums, Rockets, and the Rogun Dam
Mar 22, 2026
Unknown duration
Iran, Air Strikes and Central Asia's Strategic Dilemma
Mar 8, 2026
Unknown duration
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| Date | Episode | Description | Length | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5/3/26 | ![]() Bishkek's Backlash, Russia's New Red Lines, and a Caspian in Crisis | This week, we're tracking the culmination of Bishkek's power struggle as charges are formally brought against Tashiev, alongside a fresh wave of EU sanctions that look designed to make an example of one Central Asian state. We'll also break down the shutdown of a key Kazakh pipeline carrying oil to Europe, Russia's increasingly blunt statements on foreign military deployments across the region, Ashgabat's crackdown on Starlink connections in Turkmenistan, and the EU's push to turn Central Asia into a transit point for Afghans being deported back to Afghanistan. We'll also cover the spread of a new strain of foot-and-mouth disease tearing through the region. And for our main story, we turn to the mounting ecological crisis in the Caspian Sea, where falling water levels and worsening environmental pressures are becoming impossible for the region to ignore. On the show this week: - Vadim Ni ("Save the Caspian Sea" Movement) Hosted by Bruce Pannier and Michael Hilliard Proudly brought to you by The Times of Central Asia and The Oxus Society for Central Asian Affairs. For more info, please visit: -The Times of Central Asia (https://timesca.com/) - The Oxus Society (https://oxussociety.org/) Follow us on Twitter on - Spotlight on Central Asia (@SLonCentralAsia) - Bruce Pannier (@BrucePannier) - Michael Hilliard (@MikeHilliardAus) - The Times of Central Asia (@TheTimesoCA) - The Oxus Society for Central Asian Affairs (@OxusSociety) | — | ||||||
| 4/19/26 | ![]() Florida Diplomacy, Kazakh Arrests, and the China-Kyrgyzstan Railway | This week, we'll be covering the arrest of 19 anti-China protesters in Kazakhstan, the announcement of the date for Kazakhstan's upcoming parliamentary elections, major diplomatic moves unfolding between Central Asia and the United States in Washington, and some very quiet diplomacy taking place in Florida between presidents' daughters. We'll also be looking at Uzbek workers finally being granted the right to strike, major expansions at two of Central Asia's biggest gas projects, a mystery disease spreading through the region that has already claimed more than 90,000 animal lives, and the continued expansion of the regional railway network, which could finally see Kyrgyzstan better connected to its largest trading partner. On the show this week: - Chris Rickleton (Regional Journalist) Hosted by Bruce Pannier and Michael Hilliard Proudly brought to you by The Times of Central Asia and The Oxus Society for Central Asian Affairs. For more info, please visit: -The Times of Central Asia (https://timesca.com/) - The Oxus Society (https://oxussociety.org/) Follow us on Twitter on - Spotlight on Central Asia (@SLonCentralAsia) - Bruce Pannier (@BrucePannier) - Michael Hilliard (@MikeHilliardAus) - The Times of Central Asia (@TheTimesoCA) - The Oxus Society for Central Asian Affairs (@OxusSociety) | — | ||||||
| 4/5/26 | ![]() Arrests, Agreements and the Afghanistan-Pakistan Conflict | This week, we examine a series of significant developments across Central Asia, from the deepening fallout of Kyrgyzstan's political power struggle, with fresh arrests, widening investigations, and reports of military build-ups in one of the country's key districts, to a meeting of the Organisation of Turkic States carrying implications that could reverberate well into the rest of the year. We also look at Kazakhstan's announcement of a new oil discovery so substantial it comes close to rivalling Kashagan, alongside the decision by four of Central Asia's five states to dispatch aid convoys in support of the humanitarian response in Iran, as well as a notable diplomatic development where two neighbouring states are finally moving to establish formal relations for the first time since 2021. Before finally turning to the escalating conflict between Afghanistan and Pakistan, where some of the heaviest fighting in months is raising fresh questions about border stability, regional security, and the risk of wider spillover. On the show this week: - Christine Fair (Georgetown University) Hosted by Bruce Pannier and Michael Hilliard Proudly brought to you by The Times of Central Asia and The Oxus Society for Central Asian Affairs. For more info, please visit: -The Times of Central Asia (https://timesca.com/) - The Oxus Society (https://oxussociety.org/) Follow us on Twitter on - Spotlight on Central Asia (@SLonCentralAsia) - Bruce Pannier (@BrucePannier) - Michael Hilliard (@MikeHilliardAus) - The Times of Central Asia (@TheTimesoCA) - The Oxus Society for Central Asian Affairs (@OxusSociety) | — | ||||||
| 3/22/26 | ![]() Referendums, Rockets, and the Rogun Dam | This week, we examine a series of major developments across Central Asia, from the results of Kazakhstan's constitutional referendum to the announcement of new Chinese-funded border outposts and fortifications along Tajikistan's frontier. We also look at the continuing fallout from the security shake-up in Kyrgyzstan, with further arrests and resignations, as well as the increasingly strange foreign movements of Turkmenistan's senior leadership while war continues to rage just across the border in Iran, alongside Tehran's threats to strike Turkmen infrastructure. The episode then turns to the escalating conflict between Afghanistan and Pakistan, where some of the heaviest fighting in months is raising fresh questions about border stability, regional security, and the risk of wider spillover. Finally, for our main story, we bring on a panel of experts to discuss the growing issues surrounding the Rogun Dam and its resettlement project, and how both are likely to affect the states downstream. On the show this week: - Eugene Simonov (Rivers Without Boundaries Coalition) - Mark Fodor (Coalition for Human Rights in Development) Hosted by Bruce Pannier and Michael Hilliard Proudly brought to you by The Times of Central Asia and The Oxus Society for Central Asian Affairs. For more info, please visit: -The Times of Central Asia (https://timesca.com/) - The Oxus Society (https://oxussociety.org/) Follow us on Twitter on - Spotlight on Central Asia (@SLonCentralAsia) - Bruce Pannier (@BrucePannier) - Michael Hilliard (@MikeHilliardAus) - The Times of Central Asia (@TheTimesoCA) - The Oxus Society for Central Asian Affairs (@OxusSociety) | — | ||||||
| 3/8/26 | ![]() Iran, Air Strikes and Central Asia's Strategic Dilemma | This week, we examine a series of major developments across the region, from unusual trade figures linking Afghanistan and Central Asia, to the expansion of border fencing and fortifications between two Central Asian states. We also look at the arrest of one country's anti-corruption chief on corruption charges, the suspicious death in custody of a man accused of attempted assassination, and Kazakhstan's shifting position on peacekeeper commitments in the Middle East. The episode also explores Turkmenistan's growing role in assisting foreign evacuations out of Iran, before turning to the main story: the war in Iran and the implications it may have for Central Asia, alongside renewed fighting between Afghanistan and Pakistan in some of the heaviest clashes seen since the US withdrawal. On the show this week: - Stephen M. Bland (The Times of Central Asia) Hosted by Bruce Pannier and Michael Hilliard Proudly brought to you by The Times of Central Asia and The Oxus Society for Central Asian Affairs. For more info, please visit: -The Times of Central Asia (https://timesca.com/) - The Oxus Society (https://oxussociety.org/) Follow us on Twitter on - Spotlight on Central Asia (@SLonCentralAsia) - Bruce Pannier (@BrucePannier) - Michael Hilliard (@MikeHilliardAus) - The Times of Central Asia (@TheTimesoCA) - The Oxus Society for Central Asian Affairs (@OxusSociety) | — | ||||||
| 2/22/26 | ![]() Coups, Crackdowns and a Border Build-up | This week, we'll be covering Kazakhstan announcing the date for its upcoming constitutional referendum, controversial polling decisions in Kazakhstan, a new fighting force forming that could make the Tajikistan–Afghanistan border even more volatile, one leader returning from an unexplained absence, and several others travelling to the United States for talks that are raising eyebrows. We'll also cover a major government reshuffle in Turkmenistan, before turning to our main story: the removal of one of Kyrgyzstan's most powerful figures, and the political and geopolitical aftershocks likely to follow. On the show this week: - Emil Dzhuraev (Political Expert) Hosted by Bruce Pannier and Michael Hilliard Proudly brought to you by The Times of Central Asia and The Oxus Society for Central Asian Affairs. For more info, please visit: -The Times of Central Asia (https://timesca.com/) - The Oxus Society (https://oxussociety.org/) Follow us on Twitter on - Spotlight on Central Asia (@SLonCentralAsia) - Bruce Pannier (@BrucePannier) - Michael Hilliard (@MikeHilliardAus) - The Times of Central Asia (@TheTimesoCA) - The Oxus Society for Central Asian Affairs (@OxusSociety) | — | ||||||
| 2/8/26 | ![]() Sales, Sanctions, and a New Kazakh Constitution | This week, we'll be covering the B5+1 summit in Bishkek, the prospect of new EU sanctions targeting Kyrgyzstan, fresh complications around Rosatom's nuclear plans in Uzbekistan, shake-ups inside Uzbekistan's internal security services, and some genuinely surprising new drug-use statistics coming out of Tajikistan. We'll also look at the latest shootout on the Tajikistan–Afghanistan border. And then, for our main story, we will be diving into Kazakhstan's newly released draft constitution and what it signals about where the political system is heading next. On the show this week: - Yevgeny Zhovtis (Human Rights Activist) - Aiman Umarova (Kazakh Lawyer) Hosted by Bruce Pannier and Michael Hilliard Proudly brought to you by The Times of Central Asia and The Oxus Society for Central Asian Affairs. For more info, please visit: -The Times of Central Asia (https://timesca.com/) - The Oxus Society (https://oxussociety.org/) Follow us on Twitter on - Spotlight on Central Asia (@SLonCentralAsia) - Bruce Pannier (@BrucePannier) - Michael Hilliard (@MikeHilliardAus) - The Times of Central Asia (@TheTimesoCA) - The Oxus Society for Central Asian Affairs (@OxusSociety) | — | ||||||
| 1/25/26 | ![]() Astana's Military Shake-Up and Brussels' Big Bet in Central Asia | This week, we're tracking a string of developments that could reshape the region's security and political landscape, from a soldier's death in Kazakhstan triggering major shake-ups at the top of the military chain of command, to Russian TV hosts openly talking about invading Central Asia, and Tokayev changing the rules in ways that could make a future Russian intervention easier to justify. We'll also cover an Uzbek citizen being charged in Russia over their alleged role in an attack on a senior Russian military official, and more fighting along the Afghanistan–Tajikistan border. But the main story this week is our interview with the EU's Special Representative for Central Asia, who joins us to explain how Brussels is viewing the region right now and which projects the EU is putting real weight behind across the five republics. And to round things out, we'll finish on Kazakhstan's latest reforms and what they might mean for how the country is positioning itself going forward. On the show this week: Eduards Stiprais (EU Special Representative for Central Asia) Hosted by Bruce Pannier and Michael Hilliard Proudly brought to you by The Times of Central Asia and The Oxus Society for Central Asian Affairs. For more info, please visit: - The Times of Central Asia (https://timesca.com/) - The Oxus Society (https://oxussociety.org/) Follow us on Twitter on - Spotlight on Central Asia (@SLonCentralAsia) - Bruce Pannier (@BrucePannier) - Michael Hilliard (@MikeHilliardAus) - The Times of Central Asia (@TheTimesoCA) - The Oxus Society for Central Asian Affairs (@OxusSociety) | — | ||||||
| 1/11/26 | ![]() Central Asian Workers Under Attack in Russia | This week, we're taking a look at crackdowns on the Uzbek language in northern Afghanistan, a U.S. drone going down in Afghanistan, and the latest political aftershocks in Kyrgyzstan after a former president was stripped of state titles and honours. We'll then turn back to Washington, where new payments and a fresh round of visa changes are reshaping the rules for three Central Asian countries. From there, we'll break down proposals coming out of Tashkent for new border and transit arrangements, before bringing in our special guest to dig into the worsening climate for Central Asian migrants in Russia following brutal attacks in Khabarovsk targeting Uzbek workers. On the show this week: Tolkun Umaraliev (RFE/RL) Hosted by Bruce Pannier and Michael Hilliard Proudly brought to you by The Times of Central Asia and The Oxus Society for Central Asian Affairs. For more info, please visit: -The Times of Central Asia (https://timesca.com/) - The Oxus Society (https://oxussociety.org/) Follow us on Twitter on - Spotlight on Central Asia (@SLonCentralAsia) - Bruce Pannier (@BrucePannier) - Michael Hilliard (@MikeHilliardAus) - The Times of Central Asia (@TheTimesoCA) - The Oxus Society for Central Asian Affairs (@OxusSociety) | — | ||||||
| 12/28/25 | ![]() Retaliation, Raids and Regional Integration, | This week, we're tracking a packed slate of stories across Central Asia, starting with Trump's invitations for Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan to join the G20, while the rest of the region is left out in the cold. We'll also break down Washington's shift in visa rules for one of the Central Asian republics, before cutting through the latest reporting from the Tajik–Afghan border, where fresh fighting is colliding with longer-running security pressures. From there, we'll take a close look at a recent decision out of Kabul and what it's likely to mean for regional stability going forward, before turning to the arrest of the head of KazTAG in Kazakhstan and the surveillance scandal now unfolding in Uzbekistan, with reports that the personal details of thousands of citizens may have been left exposed. And to wrap it up, we'll examine what actually came out of the latest C5+1 summit in Japan, before then bringing in our two special guests to break down how regional integration accelerated through 2025, and what that trajectory is on the table for 2026. On the show this week: Catherine Putz (The Diplomat) Temur Umarov (Carnegie Russia Eurasia Center) Hosted by Bruce Pannier and Michael Hilliard Proudly brought to you by The Times of Central Asia and The Oxus Society for Central Asian Affairs. For more info, please visit: -The Times of Central Asia (https://timesca.com/) - The Oxus Society (https://oxussociety.org/) Follow us on Twitter on - Spotlight on Central Asia (@SLonCentralAsia) - Bruce Pannier (@BrucePannier) - Michael Hilliard (@MikeHilliardAus) - The Times of Central Asia (@TheTimesoCA) - The Oxus Society for Central Asian Affairs (@OxusSociety) | — | ||||||
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| 12/14/25 | ![]() Gas, Grids and Gendered Violence | This week, we're unpacking Turkmenistan's Neutrality Summit, a rare moment where a string of big names quietly rolled into Ashgabat, and where the public messaging mattered just as much as the backroom deals. We'll also cut through the noise on the latest reporting from the Tajik–Afghan border, where misinformation is colliding with real security developments on the ground. From there, we'll take a hard look at the results of Kyrgyzstan's elections, what they actually tell us about where Bishkek is heading next, and what they don't, before examining the looming power rationing now shaping daily life and political pressure in two Central Asian states. And to wrap it up, we're joined by two outstanding experts for a frank conversation on gendered violence in Central Asia: what's changing, what isn't, and why the official statistics may only capture a fraction of the reality. On the show this week: Daryana Gryaznova (Equality Now) Svetlana Dzardanova (Human Rights and Corruption Researcher) Hosted by Bruce Pannier and Michael Hilliard Proudly brought to you by The Times of Central Asia and The Oxus Society for Central Asian Affairs. For more info, please visit: -The Times of Central Asia (https://timesca.com/) - The Oxus Society (https://oxussociety.org/ Follow us on Twitter on - Spotlight on Central Asia (@SLonCentralAsia) - Bruce Pannier (@BrucePannier) - Michael Hilliard (@MikeHilliardAus) - The Times of Central Asia (@TheTimesoCA) - The Oxus Society for Central Asian Affairs (@OxusSociety) | — | ||||||
| 12/2/25 | ![]() Diplomacy, Defections, and Drone Strikes Across the Tajik Border | This week, we break down a flurry of developments reshaping Central Asia's security landscape, from the debut of the new C6 format and the surprise expansion of the once-exclusive C5 grouping, to Vladimir Putin's key trip to Bishkek for the CSTO summit. We examine the alarming collapse in Tashkent's air quality, Astana's decision to withdraw from a decades-long arms agreement, and the escalating pattern of cross-border drone strikes between Tajik and Afghan actors along one of the region's most volatile frontiers. Plus, we're joined by two leading China specialists to map out where Beijing's regional strategy is actually heading. On the show this week: Edward Lemon (The Oxus Society for Central Asian Affairs) Bradley Jardine (The Oxus Society for Central Asian Affairs) Hosted by Bruce Pannier and Michael Hilliard Proudly brought to you by The Times of Central Asia, The Oxus Society for Central Asian Affairs and the European Neighbourhood Council. For more info, please visit: -The Times of Central Asia (https://timesca.com/) - The Oxus Society (https://oxussociety.org/) Follow us on Twitter on - Spotlight on Central Asia (@SLonCentralAsia) - Bruce Pannier (@BrucePannier) - Michael Hilliard (@MikeHilliardAus) - The Times of Central Asia (@TheTimesoCA) - The Oxus Society for Central Asian Affairs (@OxusSociety) Check out Edward and Bradley's Book "Backlash: China's Struggle for Influence in Central Asia (New Perspectives on Eastern Europe & Eurasia)" here: https://global.oup.com/academic/product/backlash-9780197840740?cc=us⟨=en& Use discount code ADISTA5 for 30% off | — | ||||||
| 11/16/25 | ![]() Railways, Rumours and a Red-Carpet C5+1 | This week, we unpack how the C5+1 summit in Washington could reshape Central Asia's security and economic architecture, cutting through the new trade deals and MoUs to gauge their real-world impact. We assess Tokayev's trip to Moscow and what it signals, the Moscow arrest of a major Turkmen power broker, fresh twists in Kazakhstan's election season, viral claims that a foreign power has "pulled out" of the region, and worrying economic signals from Bishkek. Plus, we sit down with a panel of two experts to break down what was actually agreed at C5+1, examining what's substance, what's theatre, and what's likely to stick going forward: On the show this week: Brianne Todd (Atlantic Council) Assel Tutumlu (Near East University) Hosted by Bruce Pannier and Michael Hilliard Proudly brought to you by The Times of Central Asia, The Oxus Society for Central Asian Affairs and the European Neighbourhood Council. For more info, please visit: -The Times of Central Asia (https://timesca.com/) - The Oxus Society (https://oxussociety.org/) Follow us on Twitter on - Spotlight on Central Asia (@SLonCentralAsia) - Bruce Pannier (@BrucePannier) - Michael Hilliard (@MikeHilliardAus) - The Times of Central Asia (@TheTimesoCA) - The Oxus Society for Central Asian Affairs (@OxusSociety) | — | ||||||
| 11/2/25 | ![]() American Outreach, Afghan Skirmishes and Azerbaijan's Future in Central Asia | This week, we explore how the upcoming C5+1 summit in Washington could reshape Central Asia's political and security landscape. We'll look at Kyrgyzstan's crackdown on independent media ahead of national elections, renewed clashes between Tajik and Afghan border forces, and Kazakhstan's security services foiling a terror plot in Almaty. We'll also examine Turkmenistan's renewed push to advance long-stalled gas pipeline projects across the region. Plus, we sit down with Efgan Nifti to discuss the growing strategic relationship between Azerbaijan and Central Asia. On the show this week: Efgan Nifti (Caspian Policy Center) Hosted by Bruce Pannier and Michael Hilliard Proudly brought to you by The Times of Central Asia, The Oxus Society for Central Asian Affairs and the European Neighbourhood Council. For more info please visit: -The Times of Central Asia (https://timesca.com/) - The Oxus Society (https://oxussociety.org/) Follow us on Twitter on: - Spotlight on Central Asia (@SLonCentralAsia) - Bruce Pannier (@BrucePannier) - Michael Hilliard (@MikeHilliardAus) - The Times of Central Asia (@thetimesoca) | — | ||||||
| 10/19/25 | ![]() Silk Roads, Snap Elections, and Security Shuffles | Spotlight on Central Asia returns with a brand new season and a closer look at the stories shaping the region. This week, we unpack Kyrgyzstan's snap election announcement and its controversial debate over reinstating the death penalty, major electoral reforms in Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan's latest Caspian gas ambitions, and sweeping changes within Kyrgyzstan's military leadership. Plus, we speak with historian Peter Frankopan, author of The Silk Roads, on why Central Asia is once again becoming the heart of global trade and power. On the show this week: - Peter Frankopan (Professor of Global History at Worcester College) Hosted by Bruce Pannier and Michael Hilliard Proudly brought to you by The Times of Central Asia, The Oxus Society for Central Asian Affairs and the European Neighbourhood Council. For more info please visit: - The Times of Central Asia (https://timesca.com/) - The Oxus Society (https://oxussociety.org/) Follow us on Twitter on - Spotlight on Central Asia (@SLonCentralAsia) - Bruce Pannier (@BrucePannier) - Michael Hilliard (@MikeHilliardAus) - The Times of Central Asia (@thetimesoca) An Oxus Society Production. | — | ||||||
| 3/26/23 | ![]() Analysing the Results of the Kazakh Parliamentary Elections | This week we take a look at: - Kazakhstan seizing part of the Russian Space Program - Bank reforms in Kyrgyzstan - A Russian governor seeking refuge in Kyrgyzstan - Mirzioyev announcing a referendum - Earthquakes in Tajikistan - A football tournament coming to Central Asia - Turkmenistan announces snap election - Ashgabat placing even more restrictions on Exit Visas. And our deep dive into - Analysing the Results of the Kazakh Parliamentary Elections Joining us this week: - Aigerim Toleukhavona (Eurasianet) Follow the show on @SLonCentralAsia Follow Oxus on @OxusSociety Follow Michael on @MikeHilliardAusFor more info please visit - www.oxussociety.org | — | ||||||
| 3/10/23 | ![]() Iranian Influence in Central Asia | This week we take a look at: - Sec. Blinken's Visit to Central Asia - Parliamentary Elections in Kazakhstan heating up - Kazakhstan's backing of Beijing's "Ukraine Peace Plan" - The women's marches - Constitutional amendments being proposed in Uzbekistan - The son of a Tajik opposition leader being arrested - Tajikistan infrastructure under scrutiny - Isreal to open a new mission in Turkmenistan - Russia is pushing closer energy ties with Ashgabat And our deep dive into - Iranian Influence in Central Asia Joining us this week: - Alex Vatanka (Middle East Institute) Follow the show on @SLonCentralAsia Follow Oxus on @OxusSociety Follow Michael on @MikeHilliardAusFor more info please visit - www.oxussociety.org | — | ||||||
| 2/24/23 | ![]() Gendered Violence in Central Asia | This week we take a look at: - Nazarbayev being stripped of his immunity - A sanctioned Russian businessman buying up a Kazakh airport - The fight to bring a bank back to Kazakhstan - A Kyrgyz president being released from prison - 6 Kyrgyz presidents meeting in Dubai - Uzbekistan resuming work on the UZB-AFG trainline - Criminal arrested with radioactive material in UZB - An avalanche in Tajikistan - Record numbers of Tajik's applying for Russian citizenship - The increasing exodus from Turkmenistan And our deep dive into - Gendered Violence in Central Asia Joining us this week: - Tamar Dekanosidze (Equality Now) Follow the show on @SLonCentralAsia Follow Oxus on @OxusSociety Follow Michael on @MikeHilliardAus | — | ||||||
| 2/9/23 | ![]() A Coup in Turkmenistan: The Return of Gurbanguly? | This week we take a look at: - Major policy changes at the Kazakh border. - Russia forging ahead with plans for a gas network across the region. - Astana refusing to punish journalists over their coverage of the War in Ukraine. - Border delimitation progress between Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan. - Bishkek taking ownership of a new set of Turkish drones. - Uzbekistan bracing for a series of floods. - Karakalpak activists being jailed. - Problems worsening for the Tajik internet infrastructure. - The cost of living crisis worsening throughout Turkmenistan And our deep dive into - The Coup in Ashgabat, the Return of Gurbanguly. Joining us this week: - Luca Ancheschi (Uni of Glasgow) Follow the show on @SLofCentralAsia Follow Oxus on @OxusSociety Follow Michael on @MikeHilliardAus | — | ||||||
| 12/7/22 | ![]() 27 - How the Recent Influx of Russian Migrants is Impacting Central Asia. | This week we take a look at a political party being registered in Kazakhstan, politicians pushing back against name changes for Bishkeks administrative districts, a former president's trial devolving, the proposal for a natural gas union between three states, trials beginning for anti-regime protesters, big developments in the Tajik banking sector, further accusations of Turkmenistan sanction busting, and we take a deep dive into how the Russian migrants fleeing the draft at home into Central Asia are impacting the stability of the region. Joining us this week: - Yan Matusevich (The Graduate Centre) Follow the show on @SLofCentralAsia Follow Oxus on @OxusSociety Follow Michael on @MikeHilliardAus | — | ||||||
| 11/23/22 | ![]() 26 - The Kazakh Presidential Election: A New Kazakhstan? | This week we take a look at a former Security Services Cheif of Kazakhstan on trial for treason, Russian pressure on Astana to lower the price of grain, Kyrgyzstan cracking down on the free press, Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan approving a huge water deal, China stepping up its military coordination with Tajikistan, accusations of the Tajiks getting involved in Ukraine war, and Turkmenistan demand Turkmens return home for the census, whilst also trapping other at home. But first, we turn to the big story in the region this week The Presidential Elections in Kazakhstan and the reelection of Tokayev. Joining us this week: - Aigerim Toleukhanova (Eurasianet) Follow the show on @SLofCentralAsia Follow Oxus on @OxusSociety Follow Michael on @MikeHilliardAus For more info please visit - www.oxusosciety.org | — | ||||||
| 10/13/22 | ![]() 25 - Is the CSTO Facing Collapse? | This week we take a look at the row between Kazakhstan and Russia over Ukraine, a new report warning of water problems for the region, a significant shake-up in the Kyrgyz cabinet, a new border deal signed between Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan, the cancelling of major Kyrgyz military exercises, a crackdown on contraceptive rights in Turkmenistan, and the Turkmen government ordering millions of dollars worth of cyber security equipment from the EU. We also take a look at the recent troubles within the CSTO, a Russian version of NATO. After refusing to come to the aid of Armenia and Kyrgyzstan cancelling operations, how healthy is the organisation? Joining us this week: - Richard Weitz (Hudson Institute) Follow the show on @SLofCentralAsia Follow Oxus on @OxusSociety Follow Michael on @MikeHilliardAus For more info please visit - www.oxusosciety.org | — | ||||||
| 9/29/22 | ![]() 24 - The Fallout from the Conflict in Batken | This week we take a look at Kazakhstan pushing back on Russia's referendum, Kazakhstan is changing the name of its capital, a demilitarisation deal unfolding in the region, Russian troops being pulled out of Tajikistan, persecution of ethnic Tajiks, A Russian payment system being cut off, Turkey cancelling Turkmen visas nationwide, and the fallout from the recent fighting in the Batken region. On the show this week: - Steve Swerdlow (Uni of Southen California) Follow the show on @SLonCentralAsia Follow Oxus on @OxusSociety Follow Michael on @MikeHilliardAus For more info, please visit - www.oxussociety.org | — | ||||||
| 9/1/22 | ![]() 23 - US Led Military Drills Unfolding in Central Asia | This week we take a look at women's protests in Kazakhstan, Nur Sultan suspending arms exports, a teenage blogger arrested in Kyrgyzstan, the Kyrgyz health minister resigning, Mirziyoev appointing new leadership in Karakalpakstan, Saudi Arabia building green infrastructure in Uzbekistan, investment heading into the Pamirs, Turkmen activists being attacked in Turkey, a shopping mall being torn apart by protesters, and military drills kicking off throughout the region. Are these military drills a significant sign of regional power shifts, or just routine training? On the show this week: - Catherine Putz (The Diplomat) Follow the show on @SLonCentralAsia Follow Oxus on @OxusSociety Follow Michael on @MikeHilliardAus For more info, please visit - www.oxussociety.org | — | ||||||
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