Episode 14 - Russian Disinformation in Central Asia
Release Date: 04/07/2022
Astana’s Military Shake-Up and Brussels’ Big Bet in Central Asia
Spotlight on 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 also cover an Uzbek citizen being charged in Russia over their alleged role in an attack on a senior Russian military official, and more fighting along the Afghanistan–Tajikistan border. But...
info_outline
Central Asian Workers Under Attack in Russia
Spotlight on Central Asia
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. From there, we’ll break down proposals coming out of Tashkent for new border and transit arrangements, before bringing in our special guest to dig into the worsening climate for Central Asian...
info_outline
Retaliation, Raids and Regional Integration,
Spotlight on Central Asia
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 colliding with longer-running security pressures. From there, we’ll take a close look at a recent decision out of Kabul and what it’s likely to mean for regional stability going...
info_outline
Gas, Grids and Gendered Violence
Spotlight on Central Asia
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 a hard look at the results of Kyrgyzstan’s elections, what they actually tell us about where Bishkek is heading next, and what they don’t, before examining the looming power rationing...
info_outline
Diplomacy, Defections, and Drone Strikes Across the Tajik Border
Spotlight on Central Asia
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 pattern of cross-border drone strikes between Tajik and Afghan actors along one of the region’s most volatile frontiers. Plus, we’re joined by two leading China specialists to map out where...
info_outline
Railways, Rumours and a Red-Carpet C5+1
Spotlight on Central Asia
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 out” of the region, and worrying economic signals from Bishkek. Plus, we sit down with a panel of two experts to break down what was actually agreed at C5+1, examining what’s substance,...
info_outline
American Outreach, Afghan Skirmishes and Azerbaijan’s Future in Central Asia
Spotlight on 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 long-stalled gas pipeline projects across the region. Plus, we sit down with Efgan Nifti to discuss the growing strategic relationship between Azerbaijan and Central Asia. On the show this...
info_outline
American Outreach, Afghan Skirmishes, and Azerbaijan’s Future in Central Asia
Spotlight on 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 long-stalled gas pipeline projects across the region. Plus, we sit down with Efgan Nifti to discuss the growing strategic relationship between Azerbaijan and Central Asia. On the show this...
info_outline
Silk Roads, Snap Elections, and Security Shuffles
Spotlight on Central Asia
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 with historian Peter Frankopan, author of The Silk Roads, on why Central Asia is once again becoming the heart of global trade and power. On the show this week: - Peter Frankopan (Professor...
info_outline
Analysing the Results of the Kazakh Parliamentary Elections
Spotlight on Central Asia
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 - Analysing the Results of the Kazakh Parliamentary Elections Joining us this week: - Aigerim Toleukhavona (Eurasianet) Follow the show on @SLonCentralAsia Follow Oxus on @OxusSociety Follow Michael...
info_outlineThis 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 please visit - www.oxussociety.org