Category: Kazakhstan
“An escalating manifestation of Russophobia” – Kazakhstan at the epicentre of an information war
Since the invasion, Kazakhstan has taken a position of neutrality towards Russia’s war in Ukraine. Yet, Astana has not hindered volunteers from organising humanitarian aid to send to Ukraine. Furious… [...]
“I would be lying if I said I’ll see a nuclear-free world.” An interview with Togzhan Kassenova
The collapse of the Soviet Union left Kazakhstan with the fourth largest nuclear arsenal in the world and little say in its fate. In her book Atomic Steppe: How… [...]
Four Central Asian cultural practices newly inscribed on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage List
A dancing mountain goat, a flowering garden of embroidery, a trickster’s tales, a silken thread spun from a worm’s cocoon – these are the diverse array of Central Asian cultural… [...]
Pressure from Russia increases on Central Asian media outlets
Ever since February 24, 2022, coverage of the war in Ukraine has been complicated for Central Asia. Between voluntary omission by official media and pressure on those who dare call… [...]
China in Central Asia: Fact-checking and myth-busting
Since the official launch of the Belt and Road Initiative in 2013, much has been said and speculated about China’s growing presence on the global stage – some offering nuanced… [...]
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Destination Kazakhstan – A report from Kostanay, where hundreds of Russians have been taken in
The border region of Kostanay has turned into a sanctuary for Russians wanting to flee mobilisation. The journalist Almas Qaısar traveled for Vlast to Kostanay to speak with Russian… [...]
In Central Asia, China is taking advantage of Russia’s isolation at war
DECODING: President Xi Jinping made an official visit to Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan during the last SCO summit, his first trip since the pandemic. It’s a strategic destination for Pekin, which… [...]
Tokayev’s new term: Central Election Commission announces final results of Kazakh presidential election
The counting is over: the final results of Sunday’s snap election were announced on Tuesday. According to the Central Election Commission, the current President of Kazakhstan, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, has… [...]
How Russia is recruiting Central Asian soldiers for its war in Ukraine
Many Central Asian migrants have joined the Russian army since partial mobilisation was announced in Russia. They are being pulled into Russia’s war in Ukraine against the advice of their… [...]
Turkey’s new push into Central Asia
Isolated on the international scene and weakened domestically, Turkey seeks support. Turkish powers have chosen a proactive foreign policy in Central Asia and enjoy good relations with countries of the… [...]
Kazakhstan’s gradual divorce from Russia
DECRYPTION. In January 2022, Kazakhstan was able to count on the support of Russia, through the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO), to put an end to the demonstrations which… [...]
The recession of the Tian Shan glaciers and other recent studies
CENTRAL ASIA SCIENCE REVIEW − Thanks to images provided by US intelligence agencies, researchers have been able to observe the recession of glaciers in Central Asia. In other news, Uzbek… [...]