COVID and the new debt dynamics of Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan Before the pandemic, Central Asia’s poorest countries had been managing their Chinese debts quite well. Now they are asking for help. Dirk van der Kley Oct 2, 2020
Uzbekistan to take part in COVID-19 vaccine trials Officials say Uzbekistan plans to produce its own vaccine when tests are done. Sep 30, 2020
Tajikistan: Secret Chinese base becomes slightly less secret Chinese personnel, whose presence Dushanbe denies, forbid reporters from filming. Sep 23, 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
Tajikistan: President Rahmon confirms new run for office This scotches speculation his son was poised to take over. 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
Ukraine’s census attempt crashes and burns yet again Independent Ukraine has held only one census, almost 20 years ago. Mariya Chukhnova Aug 12, 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
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
Tajikistan: Coronavirus brings bonanza of aid, but zero accountability $300 million has been given and another $70 million may be on the way Jul 29, 2020
Tajikistan: Coronavirus taking heavy toll on remittances Transfers have fallen by at least 15 percent so far this year. Jul 22, 2020
Central Asian migrants worst hit by coronavirus job losses in Russia Seventy-five percent of Central Asian migrant laborers were not working at the height of the pandemic, new research has found. Jul 8, 2020
Perspectives | Why Moscow is embracing decentralized tech The government’s lack of capacity helps explain the about-face. Miranda Lupion Jul 2, 2020