Azerbaijani power struggle intensifies The under-the-surface schism within the government has dominated public discourse in Azerbaijan in recent weeks. Sep 9, 2020
Here’s looking at EAEU #4: Belarus backs itself into trade corner Hypocritical election congratulations underscore the cold strategic underpinnings of a bloc that is as much about politics as it is about trade. Here’s looking at EAEU Sep 3, 2020
Uzbekistan: COVID-19 adds more pain to university exam nightmare Only one in 10 university applicants is sure of a place. Sep 2, 2020
Chinese hydroelectric investments in Central Asia: A snapshot The first in a series of briefings on Beijing's investments in Central Asian renewables. Niva Yau Aug 31, 2020
Tajikistan: President Rahmon confirms new run for office This scotches speculation his son was poised to take over. Aug 26, 2020
High-profile COVID wedding highlights Azerbaijani political schism A longtime gray cardinal is in trouble after violating social-distancing laws. But breaking rules is what bigwigs do in Azerbaijan. Aug 26, 2020
Uzbekistan: Charities resist government monopolization of social protection Critics of the government’s charities ban suspect there is politics at play, not just a desire to stem potential fraud. Aug 26, 2020
Abkhazia calls for volunteers to help with COVID outbreak Many in the territory blame the rising numbers of coronavirus cases on the authorities’ decision to open up to Russian tourists. Joshua Kucera Aug 19, 2020
Russian tourists flood into newly reopened Abkhazia The territory's public health officials have warned against opening up to tourism, and the arrival of tourists has coincided with a spike in the number of COVID-19 cases. Joshua Kucera Aug 11, 2020
Kazakhstan squeezes China critics as Xinjiang anxieties spread Kazakh activists are outraged at how their government kowtows to Beijing. Chris Rickleton Aug 10, 2020
Uzbekistan: Civil society hindered in ability to contain COVID-19 corruption The chair of the Senate says $171,000 have gone missing. Aug 10, 2020
Azerbaijani president slams State Oil Company, announces privatization In an unprecedented speech, Ilham Aliyev blasted the “socialist economic model” behind his country’s largest companies. Aug 9, 2020
Tajikistan brings presidential election forward, to Oct. 11 Votes are usually held in November. Aug 6, 2020
Here’s looking at EAEU #3: Whining and dining There is no setback in the EAEU, it would appear, that cannot be fixed with a roadmap. Here’s looking at EAEU Aug 6, 2020
China business briefing: Unclear borders, uneasy neighbors Our monthly briefing on China in Central Asia. Niva Yau Aug 3, 2020