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Three decades after independence, Central Asia continues its impressive path of economic development. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine sent shockwaves throughout the global energy markets. Today, the EU faces a grim reality of reliance on Russian energy exports, particularly natural gas. In the short term, alternative suppliers of current energy, including gas, coal, and nuclear, must… Continue reading Central Asia: A Source of Energy for the 21st Century

Author Bakhrom Radjabov posits that analyses of developments in Central Asia, the South Caucasus, and Eastern Europe often overlook the emergence of new social practices on the micro level. In his new book he evaluates how old, inefficient systems may be replaced and can also disrupt social, economic, entrepreneurial, and governance systems. As part of… Continue reading Book talk with the author of Social Innovations in Post-Soviet Countries

Food security is a concern in some parts of Central Asia. In Turkmenistan, food rationing and shortages have been reported regularly since at least 2017. In Tajikistan, 1/3 of the total population is currently estimated to be food-insecure, and the majority of the population spends between 70% and 80% of its income on food. Focusing on… Continue reading Addressing Food Security in Central Asia: The cases of Tajikistan and Turkmenistan

In March 2022, Serdar Berdimuhamedov’s succession to the presidency of Turkmenistan following his father Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov’s retirement raised questions about whether this could open the door to even limited political, economic, and social reforms, as well as whether the international community, including the United States and the European Union, could seize the moment to strengthen… Continue reading Evaluating Turkmenistan One Year after Dynastic Succession: What Has Happened under President Serdar Berdimuhamedov? 

in-person event You are invited to the Nowruz Bazaar 2023 to celebrate the New Year, which for many communities symbolically begins with the spring equinox. We envision this to be an informal and joyous celebration of new beginnings and unity. To help you experience the true spirit of Nowruz, we offer you: Feel free to… Continue reading Nowruz Bazaar 2023

The United States and the countries of Central Asia have developed partnerships to enhance educational exchange and cooperation programs, fundraising and research, as well as to bring American expertise in science and education to the Central Asian region. In this seminar, initiated by the Bolashak Visiting Fellows, five specialists from Central Asia and the United States involved… Continue reading Strengthening Relations Between Central Asian and U.S. Scholars on Education and Research

The Central Asia Program and Freedom Now are inviting you to a film screening and discussion with the film producer (in person event) Elliott School of International Affairs, Room 113 1957 E St NW, Washington, DC 20052 Jaslyk Forever (70 mins) is a documentary film about political prisoners in Uzbekistan and the challenges they endure even… Continue reading Jaslyk Forever: Film Screening & Discussion with Producer

Online event co-sponsored by The Kennan Institute The border areas between the Central Asian states and Afghanistan have often been portrayed as regions prone to lawlessness, violence, and instability since the commencement of the “war on terror” initiated by US President George W. Bush’s administration in October 2001. The ascent to power of the Taliban… Continue reading Cross-Border Relations between Central Asia and Afghanistan in the Taliban Era