Kazakhstan reaffirms its balanced stance following the Gaza ceasefire, supporting peace efforts while maintaining ties with both Israel and Palestine. Astana’s multivector diplomacy underscores dialogue over division in a tense regional climate.

Russia pressed for deeper trade and investment at the Central Asia summit in Dushanbe, but Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan pushed their own infrastructure and transport agendas. Leaders aim to balance Moscow’s influence with wider ties to China, the EU, and other partners.

China’s expanding footprint in Central Asia is meeting local resistance. In *Backlash*, @EdwardLemon3 and @Jardine_bradley trace how governments and citizens navigate Beijing’s growing influence while balancing development gains with concerns over dependency and sovereignty.

Putin’s three-day visit to Dushanbe and the Russia–Central Asia summit aim to reaffirm Moscow’s role in a region increasingly looking elsewhere for balance. Talks focus on trade, security, and migration amid strained ties. Read more in our latest from @StephenMBland.

Putin’s visit to Dushanbe for the CIS and Russia–Central Asia summits highlights Tajikistan’s growing diplomatic role amid migration strains and security concerns. Both sides aim to reset ties and balance mutual dependence. Read more in our latest from @StephenMBland.

The new NYFA campus in Almaty offers directing, acting, animation, and game design programs. Affordable and taught to international standards, it aims to strengthen Central Asia’s growing creative industries.

In our latest from @StephenMBland read how Kyrgyzstan’s snap election signals both political recalibration and institutional change. As parliament dissolves early, the vote will test the balance between stability, governance, and democratic practice.

Two events in Astana this week revealed Kazakhstan’s crossroads: Kazakhstan Energy Week showcased the old guard of oil and gas, while Digital Bridge drew a new generation of tech innovators. Together, they highlight the country’s ambition to balance hydrocarbons with high tech.

Central Asia is slowly shifting from competition to cooperation. Shared challenges in water, energy, and logistics are pushing states toward deeper integration. Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan lead the way with joint transport, aviation, and energy strategies.

Afghanistan’s Qosh Tepa Canal promises food security at home but raises alarm downstream. Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, and Tajikistan fear major water losses from the Amu Darya as the project nears completion, testing fragile regional water diplomacy.

Kazakhstan is investing $4.2B with U.S.-based Wabtec to modernize its railways with 300 new locomotives, aiming to boost efficiency, reliability, and its role as a Eurasian transit hub.

Kazakhstan backs Trump’s peace plan as an “important step,” signaling deeper alignment with Washington, said President Tokayev’s press secretary Ruslan Zheldibay in an X post.

My piece ahead of Kairat’s clash with Real Madrid tonight. Mixed emotions for the city - fans look on with immense pride in the team, but there’s an undercurrent of bitterness as loyal supporters are priced out of the stadium to make way for the country’s elite.

Almaty prepares for a historic night as Kairat host Real Madrid in their first home Champions League clash. Excitement is soaring, tickets are in record demand, and the match marks a milestone for Kazakhstan’s football on the European stage.

My latest.

Thank you, @thetimesoca for posting my latest report. From Gas to Gigawatts: Uzbekistan Powers Ahead with Dual Nuclear Deal https://t.co/KFYQXpHmvs

Uzbekistan advances its energy transition with a dual nuclear deal: two large reactors and two small modular units to balance rising demand with renewables. A landmark move in Central Asia’s power mix. Read more in our latest article from @BrucePannier.

Central Asia leverages the UN to spotlight priorities from water security to climate action, using multivector diplomacy to balance rivalries and project a collective voice in global affairs. Read more in our latest article from @RobertMCutler.

At a time of global fragmentation, Central Asia turns to the UN to amplify its voice. From water security to climate action, the region uses multivector diplomacy to balance rivalries and act as a bridge in global affairs. Follow our special coverage for more on this topic.

Kyrgyzstan’s parliament has voted to dissolve itself, triggering early elections expected on November 30. All 90 deputies will now be elected in single-mandate districts, a costly process critics say favors the wealthy despite promises of transparency.