Spotlight on Central Asia
A fortnightly podcast offering analysis of Central Asia and its role in the wider world, featuring regional news, insights, and expert perspectives. Hosted by Bruce Pannier and Michael Hilliard. Proudly presented by The Times of Central Asia, The Oxus Society for Central Asian Affairs and the European Neighbourhood Council.
Episodes
Religious Regulations, Russian Rehearsals, and the TCTC's Regional Roadblocks
This week, we'll be looking at Kyrgyzstan unveiling plans that would require religious bloggers to be licensed and subjected to greater state oversight; further changes to the country's regional security leadership; one of the Central Asian states launching its first satellite into space; and a new round of CSTO military exercises in Russia that could have some troubling implications for the regio
Caspian Catastrophe, Opposition Overhaul, and Turkmenistan at 35
This week, we'll be looking at how a military tragedy on the Caspian is creating political shockwaves across Kazakhstan; a whole series of military exercises taking place across the region; a major leadership change inside one of Central Asia's opposition movements after nearly two decades under the same figure; and all five Central Asian leaders travelling to Seoul for the latest C5+1 meeting, wi
Martial Moves, Peculiar Procurement, and the Sixth Nomad Games
This week, we're covering world leaders arriving in Bishkek for the SCO summit, one Central Asian state proposing new martial-law amendments that could concentrate enormous power in just a handful of institutions during a national crisis, Tashiev's charges being amended yet again as questions continue to grow over his political future, a Central Asian state striking an unusual military deal with a
Russia's Return to Afghanistan, New Chinese Jets, and Kazakhstan's Legislative Election
This week, we're covering the eyes of the world turning toward Central Asia for the upcoming SCO summit in Bishkek, bringing Xi Jinping, Vladimir Putin and Narendra Modi together in the Kyrgyz capital, the CSTO making a series of major pledges in response to growing instability in northern Afghanistan, one of Central Asia's largest militaries publicly showcasing its new Chinese fighter jets for th
Election Engineering, Afghan Attacks, and Mirziyoyev's Ten-Year Transformation
This week, we're covering one of Central Asia's leaders openly calling on Vladimir Putin to bring the war in Ukraine to an end, Russia moving to tear up a number of its military agreements with two Central Asian states, upcoming elections in Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan, a deepening crackdown on opposition media and journalists in Kazakhstan, and a growing wave of fighting in northern Afghanistan tha
Taliban Troubles, Security Service Strife and the Deportation Divide
This week, we're covering a heatwave sweeping across Central Asia, anti-Taliban forces briefly seizing a district headquarters in a worrying sign of cracks in the Taliban's control, a shootout between different branches of Kyrgyzstan's security forces near the Uzbek border, promising new talks between Turkmenistan and Georgia, and a major shake-up inside Uzbekistan's presidential security services
Exclave Exchanges, Energy Anger, and Tashiev's Trial of the Century
This week, we're covering a new election date being set in Kazakhstan, with the country's largest party staying off the ballot, rare protests in Turkmenistan over blackouts and economic frustration, the removal of one of Ashgabat's most important religious figures, renewed clashes along the Afghanistan-Pakistan border, fuel shortages hitting much of Central Asia, and border swap deals that have se
Kazakh Coalitions, Kyrgyz Security Signals, and Uncovering Disinformation Networks in Central Asia
This week, we're covering a major political merger in Kazakhstan, new counter-terrorism raids in southern Kyrgyzstan, a shock resignation inside the Kyrgyz government, security and military forces being placed on high alert across the country, and Uzbekistan making its historic debut at the FIFA World Cup, as the rest of Central Asia reacts to a rare bit of good regional news. Before then turning
Defence Deals, Cotton Conscription, and Kyrgyzstan's UN Victory
This week, we're covering the latest Eurasian Economic Union talks, a new defence deal between Moscow and a very unlikely ally, Kazakhstan putting itself forward to play a major role in the Iran nuclear talks, Turkmenistan once again conscripting public servants into forced labour, new developments in the Tashiev trial, and a major crackdown on madrasas and religious institutions in southern Kyrgy
OTS Optimism, Afghan Ambushes, and a Deep Dive on the Next President of Tajikistan
This week, we're covering the highly successful OTS summit in Turkistan, alongside Putin's notably bad day at the Moscow Victory Day parade. We'll also break down the new ships launching in the Caspian Sea and what they signal for cross-Caspian trade, a long-awaited move from Kyrgyzstan's Prosecutor General that we've been tracking for months, another serious shootout involving counter-narcotics f
Bishkek's Backlash, Russia's New Red Lines, and a Caspian in Crisis
This week, we're tracking the culmination of Bishkek's power struggle as charges are formally brought against Tashiev, alongside a fresh wave of EU sanctions that look designed to make an example of one Central Asian state. We'll also break down the shutdown of a key Kazakh pipeline carrying oil to Europe, Russia's increasingly blunt statements on foreign military deployments across the region, As
Florida Diplomacy, Kazakh Arrests, and the China-Kyrgyzstan Railway
This week, we'll be covering the arrest of 19 anti-China protesters in Kazakhstan, the announcement of the date for Kazakhstan's upcoming parliamentary elections, major diplomatic moves unfolding between Central Asia and the United States in Washington, and some very quiet diplomacy taking place in Florida between presidents' daughters. We'll also be looking at Uzbek workers finally being granted
Arrests, Agreements and the Afghanistan-Pakistan Conflict
This week, we examine a series of significant developments across Central Asia, from the deepening fallout of Kyrgyzstan's political power struggle, with fresh arrests, widening investigations, and reports of military build-ups in one of the country's key districts, to a meeting of the Organisation of Turkic States carrying implications that could reverberate well into the rest of the year. We als
Referendums, Rockets, and the Rogun Dam
This week, we examine a series of major developments across Central Asia, from the results of Kazakhstan's constitutional referendum to the announcement of new Chinese-funded border outposts and fortifications along Tajikistan's frontier. We also look at the continuing fallout from the security shake-up in Kyrgyzstan, with further arrests and resignations, as well as the increasingly strange forei
Iran, Air Strikes and Central Asia's Strategic Dilemma
This week, we examine a series of major developments across the region, from unusual trade figures linking Afghanistan and Central Asia, to the expansion of border fencing and fortifications between two Central Asian states. We also look at the arrest of one country's anti-corruption chief on corruption charges, the suspicious death in custody of a man accused of attempted assassination, and Kazak
Coups, Crackdowns and a Border Build-up
This week, we'll be covering Kazakhstan announcing the date for its upcoming constitutional referendum, controversial polling decisions in Kazakhstan, a new fighting force forming that could make the Tajikistan–Afghanistan border even more volatile, one leader returning from an unexplained absence, and several others travelling to the United States for talks that are raising eyebrows. We'll also c
Sales, Sanctions, and a New Kazakh Constitution
This week, we'll be covering the B5+1 summit in Bishkek, the prospect of new EU sanctions targeting Kyrgyzstan, fresh complications around Rosatom's nuclear plans in Uzbekistan, shake-ups inside Uzbekistan's internal security services, and some genuinely surprising new drug-use statistics coming out of Tajikistan. We'll also look at the latest shootout on the Tajikistan–Afghanistan border. And the
Astana's Military Shake-Up and Brussels' Big Bet in Central Asia
This week, we're tracking a string of developments that could reshape the region's security and political landscape, from a soldier's death in Kazakhstan triggering major shake-ups at the top of the military chain of command, to Russian TV hosts openly talking about invading Central Asia, and Tokayev changing the rules in ways that could make a future Russian intervention easier to justify. We'll
Central Asian Workers Under Attack in Russia
This week, we're taking a look at crackdowns on the Uzbek language in northern Afghanistan, a U.S. drone going down in Afghanistan, and the latest political aftershocks in Kyrgyzstan after a former president was stripped of state titles and honours. We'll then turn back to Washington, where new payments and a fresh round of visa changes are reshaping the rules for three Central Asian countries. Fr
Retaliation, Raids and Regional Integration,
This week, we're tracking a packed slate of stories across Central Asia, starting with Trump's invitations for Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan to join the G20, while the rest of the region is left out in the cold. We'll also break down Washington's shift in visa rules for one of the Central Asian republics, before cutting through the latest reporting from the Tajik–Afghan border, where fresh fighting is
Gas, Grids and Gendered Violence
This week, we're unpacking Turkmenistan's Neutrality Summit, a rare moment where a string of big names quietly rolled into Ashgabat, and where the public messaging mattered just as much as the backroom deals. We'll also cut through the noise on the latest reporting from the Tajik–Afghan border, where misinformation is colliding with real security developments on the ground. From there, we'll take
Diplomacy, Defections, and Drone Strikes Across the Tajik Border
This week, we break down a flurry of developments reshaping Central Asia's security landscape, from the debut of the new C6 format and the surprise expansion of the once-exclusive C5 grouping, to Vladimir Putin's key trip to Bishkek for the CSTO summit. We examine the alarming collapse in Tashkent's air quality, Astana's decision to withdraw from a decades-long arms agreement, and the escalating p
Railways, Rumours and a Red-Carpet C5+1
This week, we unpack how the C5+1 summit in Washington could reshape Central Asia's security and economic architecture, cutting through the new trade deals and MoUs to gauge their real-world impact. We assess Tokayev's trip to Moscow and what it signals, the Moscow arrest of a major Turkmen power broker, fresh twists in Kazakhstan's election season, viral claims that a foreign power has "pulled ou
American Outreach, Afghan Skirmishes and Azerbaijan's Future in Central Asia
This week, we explore how the upcoming C5+1 summit in Washington could reshape Central Asia's political and security landscape. We'll look at Kyrgyzstan's crackdown on independent media ahead of national elections, renewed clashes between Tajik and Afghan border forces, and Kazakhstan's security services foiling a terror plot in Almaty. We'll also examine Turkmenistan's renewed push to advance lon
American Outreach, Afghan Skirmishes, and Azerbaijan's Future in Central Asia
This week, we explore how the upcoming C5+1 summit in Washington could reshape Central Asia's political and security landscape. We'll look at Kyrgyzstan's crackdown on independent media ahead of national elections, renewed clashes between Tajik and Afghan border forces, and Kazakhstan's security services foiling a terror plot in Almaty. We'll also examine Turkmenistan's renewed push to advance lon
Silk Roads, Snap Elections, and Security Shuffles
Spotlight on Central Asia returns with a brand new season and a closer look at the stories shaping the region. This week, we unpack Kyrgyzstan's snap election announcement and its controversial debate over reinstating the death penalty, major electoral reforms in Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan's latest Caspian gas ambitions, and sweeping changes within Kyrgyzstan's military leadership. Plus, we speak wi
Analysing the Results of the Kazakh Parliamentary Elections
This week we take a look at: - Kazakhstan seizing part of the Russian Space Program - Bank reforms in Kyrgyzstan - A Russian governor seeking refuge in Kyrgyzstan - Mirzioyev announcing a referendum - Earthquakes in Tajikistan - A football tournament coming to Central Asia - Turkmenistan announces snap election - Ashgabat placing even more restrictions on Exit Visas. And our deep dive into - Anal
Iranian Influence in Central Asia
This week we take a look at: - Sec. Blinken's Visit to Central Asia - Parliamentary Elections in Kazakhstan heating up - Kazakhstan's backing of Beijing's "Ukraine Peace Plan" - The women's marches - Constitutional amendments being proposed in Uzbekistan - The son of a Tajik opposition leader being arrested - Tajikistan infrastructure under scrutiny - Isreal to open a new mission in Turkmenistan
Gendered Violence in Central Asia
This week we take a look at: - Nazarbayev being stripped of his immunity - A sanctioned Russian businessman buying up a Kazakh airport - The fight to bring a bank back to Kazakhstan - A Kyrgyz president being released from prison - 6 Kyrgyz presidents meeting in Dubai - Uzbekistan resuming work on the UZB-AFG trainline - Criminal arrested with radioactive material in UZB - An avalanche in Tajikis
A Coup in Turkmenistan: The Return of Gurbanguly?
This week we take a look at: - Major policy changes at the Kazakh border. - Russia forging ahead with plans for a gas network across the region. - Astana refusing to punish journalists over their coverage of the War in Ukraine. - Border delimitation progress between Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan. - Bishkek taking ownership of a new set of Turkish drones. - Uzbekistan bracing for a series of floods. -
27 - How the Recent Influx of Russian Migrants is Impacting Central Asia.
This week we take a look at a political party being registered in Kazakhstan, politicians pushing back against name changes for Bishkeks administrative districts, a former president's trial devolving, the proposal for a natural gas union between three states, trials beginning for anti-regime protesters, big developments in the Tajik banking sector, further accusations of Turkmenistan sanction bust
26 - The Kazakh Presidential Election: A New Kazakhstan?
This week we take a look at a former Security Services Cheif of Kazakhstan on trial for treason, Russian pressure on Astana to lower the price of grain, Kyrgyzstan cracking down on the free press, Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan approving a huge water deal, China stepping up its military coordination with Tajikistan, accusations of the Tajiks getting involved in Ukraine war, and Turkmenistan demand Turk
25 - Is the CSTO Facing Collapse?
This week we take a look at the row between Kazakhstan and Russia over Ukraine, a new report warning of water problems for the region, a significant shake-up in the Kyrgyz cabinet, a new border deal signed between Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan, the cancelling of major Kyrgyz military exercises, a crackdown on contraceptive rights in Turkmenistan, and the Turkmen government ordering millions of dollars
24 - The Fallout from the Conflict in Batken
This week we take a look at Kazakhstan pushing back on Russia's referendum, Kazakhstan is changing the name of its capital, a demilitarisation deal unfolding in the region, Russian troops being pulled out of Tajikistan, persecution of ethnic Tajiks, A Russian payment system being cut off, Turkey cancelling Turkmen visas nationwide, and the fallout from the recent fighting in the Batken region. On
23 - US Led Military Drills Unfolding in Central Asia
This week we take a look at women's protests in Kazakhstan, Nur Sultan suspending arms exports, a teenage blogger arrested in Kyrgyzstan, the Kyrgyz health minister resigning, Mirziyoev appointing new leadership in Karakalpakstan, Saudi Arabia building green infrastructure in Uzbekistan, investment heading into the Pamirs, Turkmen activists being attacked in Turkey, a shopping mall being torn apar
22 - Smuggling Tunnels In Central Asia
Another busy week in Central Asia. This episode we take a look at Nazarbayev making a rare appearance, Nur-Sultan putting limits on coal exports ahead of a likely cold winter, smuggler tunnels being discovered in Krygyzstan, Uzbekistan blocking Twitter, a stern warning by the Uzbek government for citizens leaving to fight for Russia, a regional chess triumph, Afghanistan paying its bills to one Ce
21 - Why is Kazakhstan Nearly Doubling its Military Budget?
This week we take a look at the Kazakh state clawing millions back from associates of former president Nazarbayev, Canada finally stepping aside in the Kumtor Gold mine case, a Kyrgyz kingpin detained on extortion charges, a president daughter fighting to have her assets unfrozen, the Uzbek power grid on the brink of collapse, Tajik women returning from the war in Syria, Dushanbe stepping up their
Episode 20 - Indian Influence in Central Asia
This week we look at Kazakhstan being represented in Wimbledon for the first time, a Kyrgyz journalist being charged over coverage of the war in Ukraine, the unrest in Karakalpakstan, and Uzbekistan also introducing a 200,000 som banknote to circulation. Dushanbe's new strategy to end the fighting in Gorno Badakhshan, whilst also banning critical coverage of the country's military draft. And Sedar
Episode 19 - Why is Putin in Central Asia?
This week we take a look at president Tokayev visiting Iran and Turkmenistan, tensions flaring between Nur-Sultan and Moscow, protests in Kyrgyzstan, the Uzbek president seeking constitutional amendments to allow him to seek a third term, US sanctions coming to the region, ongoing chaos in Gorno-Badakhshan, Turkmenistan reopening to Russia, and Putin's first international visits since the start of
Episode 18 - The Impact of a Trans-Caspian Pipeline
This week we take a look at Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan's new dispute on the Chinese border, additional charges for a former president, the OSCE weighing in on the Uzbek presidential election, smuggling tunnels being discovered, bread prices causing chaos in the region, new battles along the Tajik-Kyrgyz border, and massive water shortages in Turkmenistan. We also discuss how the completion of the T
Episode 17 - Press Freedom in Central Asia
This week we take a look at Kazakhstan securing agreements with Turkey to produce drones. Workers strikes in Krygyzstan. A US ambassador speaking out against policy in Uzbekistan. Afghanistan looking to Central Asia for electricity. Tensions growing between Dushanbe and the Taliban, and of course the massive protests taking place in Gordo-Badakhshan. We also sit down with esteemed journalist Joann
Episode 16 - Central Asian Fighters in Ukraine
This week we take a look at a new probe into the death of the Kazakh opposition leader in 2005. The Kazakh president stepping down. Nazarbayev being stripped of his titles. A report finally being released on bride kidnapping. A new controversial eco-city. The Kyrgyz president intervening in court cases. More clashes along the Uzbek border. The Uzbek foreign minister stepping down after his comment
Episode 15 - Krygyzstan and Tajikistan's Border Skirmish
This week we take a look at Kazakhstan reopening its borders, Nazerbayevs nephew giving away a stake in the country's largest telecom, Kyrgyz citizens taking cash payments to go and fight for Russia in Ukraine, an ex-president in a courtroom fight, increasing tensions between Uzbekistan and the Taliban, Berdymukhamedov's first moves as president, remittances plunging in Tajikistan, and the recent
Episode 14 - Russian Disinformation in Central Asia
This week we take a look at how Russian and Chinese created disinformation permeates through Central Asian groups, a plot to kill the Kazakh president, the Kyrgyz unveiling their new fleet of Turkish attack drones, 2 men shot dead along the Uzbek-Kyrgyz border, The Kumtor gold mine case finally coming to an end, the Uzbek real estate market going up 15% in a week, the cotton campaign finally procl
Episode 13 - Reforms in the Uzbek Cotton Industry
This week we take a look at internal troubles inside the Kazakh first family, more turmoil in the Central Asian economies, a prison sentence handed down to a Kyrgyz president, gunfire on the Tajik border, the election results in Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan taking a stance on the war in Ukraine, and huge developments in the Uzbek cotton industry. Joining us this week: - Steve Swerdlow (University o
Episode 12 - How the Invasion of Ukraine Will Impact Central Asia?
This week we take a look at the Sanctions fears throughout the entire Central Asian region, large rallies unfolding in Kazakhstan, journalists being arrested in Kyrgyzstan, Ukraine recalling ambassadors, Germany seizing an Uzbek billionaire's mega yacht, Berdimuhamedow junior on the Turkmen campaign trail, continuing unrest in Gorno-Badakhshan, and of course the main story of this week, the Russia
Episode 11 - Snap Elections in Turkmenistan
This week we take a look at the ongoing fallout from the January protests in Kazakhstan. Japarov meeting with President Xi, Cyberattacks in Kyrgyzstan, a former president's daughter having assets seized, more build-up on the Afghan-Tajik border, a ban on facemasks in Turkmenistan and of course our main story this week to the announcement of snap elections in Turkmenistan. Will we see huge changes
Episode 10 - The Future of Sino-Tajik Relations
This week we take a look at new fighting on the Tajik-Kyrgyz border, power blackouts throughout the region, A Turkmen activist being deported back to Turkmenistan from Russia, an explosion in the Turkmen plant, more crackdowns in Uzbekistan, and India hosting a summit with all 5 central Asian leaders. Joining us this week. - Parvis Mullojonov (International Alert Office) Follow the show on @SLon
Episode 9 - The Fallout from the Kazakh Protests: A New Kazakhstan?
This week we take a look at the aftermath of recent unrest in Kazakhstan, key figures from the Nazarbayev regime being forced out, a Russian withdrawal, Uzbekistan cutting gas to China, Tahskents new deal with the Taliban, talk of closing Turkmenistan's gate to hell, new lockdowns, a jazz musician being arrested in Krygyzstan, and an MMA fighting in political trouble in Tajikistan. We also cover
Episode 8 - The Collapsing Central Asian Energy Grid and Protests in Kazakhstan
This week we take a look at the continuing fallout from the nationalisation of the Kumtor Gold mine, Russia's increasing military build-up in Tajikistan, new energy deals being signed in the region, Turkish courts acquitting Turkmen activists, a new Sino-Uzbek vaccine, and fears of the Kazakh energy grid collapsing as the harsh Central Asian winter begins to set in. We also cover the breaking st
Episode 7 - 30 Years of Kazakh Independence
This week we take a look at Uzbeks calls for aid in Afghanistan, the continuing fallout from the Kyrgyz elections, Turkmenistan's new gas deal with Azerbaijan, Russia's new project on the Caspian sea, and Tajikistan's leaders family taking even more key positions inside the Tajik foreign office. It has also been 30 years this week since Kazakhstan gained its independence, and to discuss that tran
Episode 6 - Russia's Strategic Goals in Central Asia
This week we will be taking a look at the post-election protests in Kyrgyzstan, boiling tensions in Khorog, crumbling infrastructure in Turkmenistan, a change in leadership in one of the regions biggest gas companies, Nazarbayev stepping down from politics, joint military drills, and a looming regional energy crisis. As well as the changing dynamics of Russias relationship with the 5 Central Asian
Episode 5 - The Kyrgyz Parliamentary Elections
This week we will be taking a look at inflation in Kazakhstan, Afghan pilots being released, more COVID complications in Turkmenistan, Russian interference in Uzbekistan, and the upcoming elections in Kyrgyzstan. The Kyrgyz people head to the polls under an energy crisis, with COVID still rampant. With last years elections leading to a revolution in the country, will the country once again break d
Episode 4 - China's Repression of the Uyghur's
This week we will be taking a look at Japarov's visit to the GOP summit, Chinas new military base in Tajikistan, Riots in Kazakhstan, a new trade deal for Turkmenistan and calls for election reform in Uzbekistan. We also sit down with the two authors of the brand new Oxus report on how China uses technology to suppress Uyghur communities all over the world, and the chilling methods being rolled ou
Episode 3 - The Impact of the Uzbek Presidential Election
This week we will be taking a look at a number of stories including Kazakhstan's outreach to the Taliban, a Kyrgyz president's criminal charges being reinstated, Rahmon's trip to Paris for further talks on the tensions with Afghanistan, Turkmen activists protesting in Turkey, and of course the big story from the region this week, the Uzbek presidential elections. Joining us on the episode this w
Episode 2 - Nationalising the Kumtor Gold Mine
This week we take a look at a number of big stories including the ongoing fallout from the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan, millions of state dollars disappearing in Uzbekistan weeks ahead of the election, the ongoing COVID crisis in Turkmenistan and a former prime minister being arrested in Kyrgyzstan. As well as the big story engulfing Kyrgyz politics at the moment, the nationalisation of the K
Episode 1 - 30 Years of Turkmen Independence
This week we take a look at a number of stories including the continuing fallout from Afghanistan, the upcoming Uzbek elections, the Rubezh exercises, missing pilots and the US's Central Asia COVID policy. We also sit down with Luca Anceschi (professor of Eurasian studies at the University of Glasgow) to do a full analysis on the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan's independence from the USSR. H
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