Shows
Spotlight on Central AsiaAnalysing the Results of the Kazakh Parliamentary ElectionsThis 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 - Analysing the Results of the Kazakh Parliamentary Elections Joining us this week: - Aigerim Toleukhavona (Eurasianet) F...2023-03-2630 min
Spotlight on Central AsiaIranian Influence in Central AsiaThis 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 - Russia is pushing closer energy ties with Ashgabat And our deep dive into - Iranian Influence in Central Asia ...2023-03-1037 min
Spotlight on Central AsiaGendered Violence in Central AsiaThis 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 Tajikistan - Record numbers of Tajik's applying for Russian citizenship - The increasing exodus from Turkmenistan And o...2023-02-2435 min
Spotlight on Central AsiaA 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. - Karakalpak activists being jailed. - Problems worsening for the Tajik internet infrastructure. - The cost of living crisis worsening...2023-02-0926 min
Spotlight on Central Asia27 - How the Recent Influx of Russian Migrants is Impacting Central AsiaThis 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 busting, and we take a deep dive into how the Russian migrants fleeing the draft at home into Central Asia are impacting the stability of the region. Joining us this week: - Yan Matusevich (The Graduate Centre) Follow th...2022-12-0728 min
Spotlight on Central Asia26 - The Kazakh Presidential Elections: 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 Turkmens return home for the census, whilst also trapping other at home. But first, we turn to the big story in the region this week The Presidential Elections in Kazakhstan and the reelection of Tokayev. 2022-11-2329 min
Spotlight on Central Asia25 - 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 worth of cyber security equipment from the EU. We also take a look at the recent troubles within the CSTO, a Russian version of NATO. After refusing to come to the aid of Armenia...2022-10-1333 min
Spotlight on Central Asia24 - The Fallout from the Conflict in BatkenThis 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 the show this week: - Steve Swerdlow (Uni of Southen California) Follow the show on @SLonCentralAsia Follow Oxus on @OxusSociety Follow Michael on @MikeHilliardAus For more inf...2022-09-2927 min
Spotlight on Central Asia23 - US Led Military Drills Unfolding in Central AsiaThis 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 apart by protesters, and military drills kicking off throughout the region. Are these military drills a significant sign of regional power shifts, or just routine training? On the show this week: - Catherine Putz (The Diplomat) 2022-09-0133 min
Spotlight on Central Asia22 - Smuggling Tunnels In Central AsiaAnother 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 Central Asian country, whilst also refusing to pay another, US-Backed military drills kicking off in the region, and the Turkmen government entering a nearly billion dollar lawsuit against a Belarussian state company. We also take a...2022-08-1832 min
Spotlight on Central Asia21 - 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 controls on the nations independent press, and a meeting of the five central Asian leaders leading to a regional divide on what to do about Russia. We also sit down with an expert...2022-08-0431 min
Spotlight on Central AsiaEpisode 20 - Indian Influence in Central AsiaThis 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 Berdimuhamedovs cabinet reshuffle, and what this may be telling us about the internal state of the country. We also take a deep look into India's increasing role in the Central Asian region, and what it will be for...2022-07-1434 min
Spotlight on Central AsiaEpisode 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 the war in Ukraine calling a 6th Caspian nations summit. Joining us this week: - Temur Umarov (Carnegie Endowment) Follow the show on @SLonCentralAsia For more info please visit - www.oxussociety.org2022-06-3026 min
Spotlight on Central AsiaEpisode 18 - The Impact of a Trans-Caspian PipelineThis 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 Trans-Caspian pipeline could reshape the politics of Central Asia, and the energy markets of Europe. Joining us this week: - Theresa Sebonis-Helf (Georgetown University) Follow the show on @SLonCentralAsia For m...2022-06-1637 min
Spotlight on Central AsiaEpisode 17 - Press Freedom in Central AsiaThis 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 Joanna Lillis to discuss Press Freedom in Central Asia. Joining us this week: - Joanna Lillis (The Economist) Follow the show on @SLonCentralAsia For more info please visit - www.oxussociety.org2022-06-0124 min
Spotlight on Central AsiaEpisode 16 - Central Asian Fighters in UkraineThis 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 comments on Ukraine, and more COVID troubles in Turkmenistan. We also take a deep dive into Russia's recruitment of Central Asian citizens for its war in Ukraine. Joining us this week: - Sher K...2022-05-1423 min
Spotlight on Central AsiaEpisode 15 - Krygyzstan and Tajikistan's Border SkirmishThis 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 border skirmish between Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan that left soldiers on both sides dead and wounded. Is this the beginning of a full-scale war between two of the Central Asian republics? Joining us this week: - P...2022-04-2126 min
Spotlight on Central AsiaEpisode 14 - Russian Disinformation in Central AsiaThis 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 proclaiming victory in Uzbekistan, and further tensions in Gorno-Badakhshan. Joining us this week: - Perri Grace (Disinformation Expert) Follow the show on @SLonCentralAsia For more info...2022-04-0723 min
Spotlight on Central AsiaEpisode 13 - Reforms in the Uzbek Cotton IndustryThis 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 of Southern California) Follow the show on @SLonCentralAsia For more info please visit - www.oxussociety.org2022-03-2424 min
Spotlight on Central AsiaEpisode 12 - How the Invasion of Ukraine 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 Russian invasion of Ukraine and its impact on Central Asian region. Joining us this week: - Temur Umarov (Carnegie Endowment) Follow the show on @SLonCentralAsia For more info please visit - www.oxussociety.org2022-03-1028 min
Spotlight on Central AsiaEpisode 11 - Snap Elections in TurkmenistanThis 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 in Central Asia's most reclusive government, or will this be the beginning of a new political dynasty? Joining us this week. - Luca Ancheschi (Uni of Glasgow) Fo...2022-02-2327 min
Spotlight on Central AsiaEpisode 10 - The Future of Sino-Tajik RelationsThis 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 @SLonCentralAsia For more info please visit - www.oxussociety.org Presented by the Oxus Society for Central Asian Affairs2022-02-0225 min
Spotlight on Central AsiaEpisode 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 what the protests will mean for the future of Kazakhstan going forward. Joining us this week. - Peter Leonard (Eurasianet) Follow the show on @SLonCentralAsia2022-01-1933 min
Spotlight on Central AsiaEpisode 8 - The Collapsing Central Asian Energy Grid, and Protests in KazakhstanThis 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 story of widespread protests in Kazakhstan, including the storming on the City Hall. Joining us this week. - Theresa Sabonis-Helf (Georgetown University) Follow the show on @SLon...2022-01-0537 min
Spotlight on Central AsiaEpisode 7 - 30 Years of Kazakh IndependenceThis 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 transition from the USSR to Capitalism we talk to the man who helped facilitate it. Joining us this week. - William Courtney (1st US Amb to Kazakhstan, RAND) Fo...2021-12-2227 min
Spotlight on Central AsiaEpisode 6 - Russia's Strategic Goals in Central AsiaThis 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 republics. Joining us this week. - Natasha Kuhrt (Kings College London) Follow the show on @SLonCentralAsia For more info please visit - www.oxussociety.org Presented by the Oxus So...2021-12-0819 min
Spotlight on Central AsiaEpisode 5 - The Kyrgyz Parliamentary ElectionsThis 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 down, or has political apathy set in with the electorate? On the panel this week. - Asel Doolotkeldieva (OSC Bishkek) For more info please visit - www.oxussociety.org2021-11-2324 min
Spotlight on Central AsiaEpisode 4 - China's Repression of the Uyghur'sThis 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 out throughout the West. Joining us this week is Bradley Jardine (Oxus Society) Natalie Hall (Oxus Society) Follow the the show on @O...2021-11-1037 min
Spotlight on Central AsiaEpisode 3 - The Impact of the Uzbek Presidential ElectionThis 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 week is - Navbahor Immamova (Voice of America) For more information please visit - www.oxussociety.org2021-10-2636 min
Spotlight on Central AsiaEpisode 2 - Nationalising the Kumtor Gold MineThis 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 Kumtor Gold Mine. Will Japarov's big gamble pay off? Joining us this week is Medet Tivlegenov (American University in Bishkek) Hosted by Michael Hilliard and Aliamana Zhanmukanova F...2021-10-1236 min
Spotlight on Central AsiaEpisode 1 - 30 Years of Turkmen IndependenceThis 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. Hosted by Michael Hilliard and Alimana Zhanmukanova. For more info please visit www.oxussociety.org2021-09-2331 min