Turkmenistan, the unknown mega-polluter
DECODING. Turkmenistan ranks fifth in methane emissions in the world, after Russia and the United States. This does not come as good news for Central Asia’s most secretive country – and is also out of all proportion for the country
Coronavirus in Central Asia: An Opportunity for China?
China’s involvement in the race for vaccinations in Central Asia confirms its aim to increase relations with neighbouring countries, primed for over a decade with the New Silk Road project. However, resistance among citizens continues to slow Chinese ambitions. This
Turkmenistan became China’s number one gas supplier
Being far ahead of the other regional gas suppliers, Turkmenistan became the first energy partner of China in late January 2021, ahead of Russia. In the context of generally rising gas prices at the beginning of 2021, the roles seem
Central Asia and Russia: an ever-changing relationship
In a book focusing on Central Asia’s relationship to Russia, researcher Michaël Levystone provides a careful insight into ties whose nature keep on changing. As they perform a balancing act between historical closeness and desire for independence, Central Asian countries
How can Britain develop trade in Central Asia?
Dr Jade McGlynn has published an article for The Diplomat discussing the modernisation of Britain’s Central Asian Trade Strategy, based on her report for the Henry Jackson Society, entitled ‘A Steppe Change: Should Britain Be Bolder In Central Asia?’. In
Troubled waters: Turkmenistan’s environmental policy
Turkmenistan celebrates 30 years of independence in 2021. But what does its past and current environmental policy look like, and what does it reveal about the country? In an article published on the Turkmen news site Orient.tm on 16 February 2021,
Turkmenistan’s president appoints his son deputy prime minister
As part of a government reshuffle, Turkmenistan's president Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedow has named his son Serdar deputy prime minister. The appointment comes after several months of speculation about the political rise of Berdimuhamedow junior.This article was originally published on Novastan's German
Central Asia in 2020: the year in review
Coronavirus, border clashes, a political crisis in Kyrgyzstan
Central Asian rap in 10 tracks
Hip hop, which appeared in America in the 1970s, has long since become a worldwide phenomenon adapting and evolving in each new environment. Central Asia is no exception, as a quick overview of rap music from the region reveals. This article
Russia tries new diplomatic approach with “Central Asia + Russia” format
Russia wants to intensify cooperation with Central Asia. During a video conference on 15 October, the foreign ministers of Russia and the Central Asian states adopted a declaration on cooperation. The main innovation is the establishment of the joint dialogue
On April 27 of this year, the Russian Minister of Defence announced the creation of a joint aerial defence system between Russia and Tajikistan. This decision is driven by the deterioration of the situation of its neighbouring countries, such as Afghanistan. This article was originally published
At the end of April 2021, the Uzbek produce exporter Global Export shipped 44 tonnes of beans to the world leader in canned vegetables, French company Bonduelle. With this result of a new partnership between the two companies, Global Export’s director hopes to strengthen this
Kazakhstan inaugurates its Consulate general in Strasbourg and sets its sights on the European union
On May 17, 2021, Kazakhstan inaugurated its Consulate General in Strasbourg in order to get closer to the Grand Est region and the European Union. This will reinforce France’s status as the leading partner to Central Asia. This article was originally published on Novastan’s French