Shows
CAPS Unlock PodcastKyrgyz-Tajik border deal, Afghanistan rail, and teaching climate changeIn this episode of the CAPS Unlock podcast, hosts Peter Leonard and Tlegen Kuandykov unpack two fascinating geopolitical developments in Central Asia: a (very) long-negotiated border agreement between Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan and Uzbekistan’s deepening railway ties with Afghanistan.The episode opens with an in-depth discussion on the Kyrgyz-Tajik border deal, a historic agreement that could finally resolve decades of disputes in the Fergana Valley. We explore what led to this breakthrough, how the agreement balances land exchanges, and the political dynamics shaping its ratification. While optimism is warranted, concerns remain about whether local communities’ interests will be c...2025-03-0438 min
CAPS Unlock PodcastTaxing times for KazakhstanWelcome back to the CAPS Unlock Podcast! After a brief (ahem) break, co-hosts Peter Leonard and Tlegen Kuandykov return with another look at some fresh developments in Central Asia.In this episode:VAT hike drama in Kazakhstan: The government’s proposal to raise VAT sparked public and expert backlash. We break down what this means for the economy, businesses, and the “social contract.”EU-Central Asia connectivity: We sit down with Henrik Hololei, adviser at the European Commission’s Directorate-General for International Partnerships to discuss EU-Central Asia transport links, the Middle Corridor, and how digital...2025-02-1833 min
CAPS Unlock PodcastAir pollution in Central Asia and Turkey’s regional playIn this episode of the CAPS Unlock podcast, Peter Leonard and Tlegen Kuandykov explore the growing air pollution crisis in Central Asia, focusing on cities like Bishkek and Almaty, which face severe air quality challenges due to coal heating, unplanned urban development, and sandstorms. The conversation highlights governmental responses such as gasification projects, public transport reforms, and the need for environmental education.The episode then pivots to Turkey’s expanding influence in Central Asia. Peter and Tlegen are joined by Samuel Doveri Vesterbye, managing director of the European Neighbourhood Council, to discuss Turkey’s strategies, including its role...2024-12-1936 min
CAPS Unlock PodcastMister Putin goes to AstanaThis week on the CAPS Unlock Podcast, co-hosts Peter Leonard and Tlegen Kuandykov delve into two major stories shaping Central Asia. First, they share a wide-ranging interview with Ambassador Terhi Hakala, the outgoing EU Special Representative for Central Asia. Ambassador Hakala reflects on the evolution of the EU’s 2019 Central Asia strategy, the region’s connectivity priorities, and initiatives targeting youth, climate resilience, and green development.Later, the conversation shifts to Russian President Vladimir Putin’s high-profile visit to Kazakhstan. Peter and Tlegen explore the diplomatic spectacle in Astana, from fighter jet displays to the CSTO summit. They u...2024-12-0546 min
CAPS Unlock PodcastIntroduction to the CAPS Unlock podcastWelcome to the debut episode of the CAPS Unlock podcast, hosted by Peter Leonard, Communications Coordinator at CAPS Unlock. In this introductory episode, Peter is joined by executive sirector Aida Aidarkulova and program coordinator Tlegen Kuandykov to explore the mission of CAPS Unlock and the think tank landscape in Central Asia.We discuss the organization's focus on critical areas such as international relations, social and economic justice, digital democracy, and climate change. Learn about CAPS Unlock’s recent initiatives, including a regional trade conference in Tashkent, and the challenges regional think tanks face, from funding constraints to ac...2024-11-2622 min