Uzbekistan
New Kyrgyzstan language law will raise Russia tensions
Kyrgyzstan’s new language bill highlights the long-term decline of the Russian language across much of Central Asia
KyrgyzstanWater crisis will threaten Central Asian stability
The authorities have sought to reassure residents about water shortages rather than taking effective counter-measures
Central AsiaUzbek president’s problems will mount in long term
Two seven-year terms could allow Mirzioyev time to tackle population growth, ageing infrastructure and energy shortages
UzbekistanUzbek voters may have preferred stability to reform
Amending the constitution (and closing off opposition) should allow Mirzioyev to be president until potentially 2037
UzbekistanChina-Central Asia relations will deepen
China’s first in-person hosting of five Central Asian leaders will build its regional economic and geopolitical presence
ChinaChina reveals ambition to raise Central Asian presence
President Xi offers Central Asia a development boost emphasising mutual advantage at the same time as a security role
Central AsiaRussia and Central Asian states will cooperate on gas
As Russia’s gas export revenues fall, Central Asia could provide an alternative for filling state coffers
RussiaReferendum will back Uzbekistan’s new constitution
Key constitutional changes could allow the Uzbek president to stay in office into his 80s
Uzbekistan
