China filling void left by USAID’s dismantling Small and Beautiful marks next phase of Belt & Road Initiative. May 19, 2025
Georgia: Watchdog groups document systematic government abuses Georgian Dream wants to “rule indefinitely.” Irakli Machaidze May 16, 2025
Azerbaijan: ‘Great Return’ numbers not looking so good Karabakh repatriation lags as lots of money spent on reconstruction. May 16, 2025
United States has image problem in Central Asia Public perceptions toward Washington rapidly swing from positive to negative. May 15, 2025
Afghanistan: Grappling with fall-out of dwindling foreign aid Almost all US assistance terminated. May 12, 2025
US Congress throws down gauntlet to Georgian Dream Will Trump side with US legislators or Tbilisi? Act was adopted with veto-proof majority. Irakli Machaidze May 7, 2025
Armenia: Polling results suggest public wariness over government’s political course Russia’s gravitational pull remains strong. May 7, 2025
On periphery: Papal visit, doctrinal clashes and Pope Francis’ Central Asian legacy Pontiff’s progressive views and voices of dissent. Alexander Thompson May 6, 2025
CZ visits KGZ to talk BTC and BNB Bishkek takes step to introduce blockchain technology on national level. May 5, 2025
Press freedom in perilous position due to financial pressures – media watchdog Mass media in need of New Deal. May 2, 2025
Georgia’s most influential opposition broadcaster shutting down Georgian Dream gaining near-total control over broadcast media landscape. Irakli Machaidze Apr 30, 2025
Post-war order teetering – rights watchdog Eurasia “at forefront” of assault on individual freedoms. Apr 29, 2025
Public confidence in governmental institutions showing alarming decline – UN Authoritarian states in Eurasia counter trend by controlling information flow. Apr 28, 2025
EU and Azerbaijan appear to cement energy partnership Officials coy, but state-controlled media herald end of ‘crisis in relations.’ Apr 28, 2025
Georgian government preparing for EU move to suspend visa-free travel Georgian Dream downplays consequences. Irakli Machaidze Apr 22, 2025
Cup of coffee stirs Russian-language debate in Uzbekistan Tashkent tries to avoid antagonizing Kremlin. Alexander Thompson Apr 21, 2025
Internet life in Turkmenistan detected! Central Asia’s most-closed society boasts handful of influencers. Apr 21, 2025
Pashinyan’s domestic political challenges deepen Opposition sets differences aside to unify. Apr 17, 2025
Turkmenistan to introduce simplified procedures for obtaining visas New rules seen as part of wider opening to trade opportunities. Apr 16, 2025
Tajik opposition files international lawsuit accusing government of crimes against humanity Court decision likely years in making. Apr 15, 2025
Georgia: Government seeks control over foreign assistance to non-governmental sector Independent media outlets confronting potential death blow. Irakli Machaidze Apr 15, 2025
Central Asian states join World Health Organization effort to eliminate tuberculosis Region also grappling with measles outbreak. Apr 10, 2025
Georgian government weaponizes history with aim of banning opposition New parliamentary commission fueling public resentment. Irakli Machaidze Apr 8, 2025
Central Asia-EU summit generates little momentum for expanded European role in region More style than substance. Apr 7, 2025