Resources

Central Asia needs a new approach to security

After three decades of independence following the fall of the Soviet Union, Central Asian countries continue to face challenges to their stability and governance. Last year saw large-scale domestic unrest in three of the region’s five countries. Many of these events follow similar patterns: growing tensions and grievances among citizens lead to protests, which are met with a harsh and disproportionate response including the use of lethal force by security forces, feeding into further mistrust between authorities and the population.

“Mental health is as important as physical health”: setting up support groups in Kyrgyzstan

Funded by the UN Peacebuilding Fund, we set up mental health support groups for young people in Kyrgyzstan together with DIA, Institute for Youth Development and Peace Initiatives. In this interview we spoke with two mentors about their experience leading the support groups and the impact of the work they do.

The pursuit of ‘win-wins’ along the Belt and Road

Overcoming a fraught legacy: building police–public cooperation in Central Asia

Trust and transparency central to improved COVID-19 responses in Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan

Mistrust and scepticism of government efforts to fight COVID-19 have made it harder to contain the pandemic’s spread. Ilya Jones explores how the governments of Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan can better respond to the virus and people’s concerns.

Belt and road: What does China’s ‘project of the century’ mean for peace and security?

China’s flagship economic and development project – coined the Belt and Road Initiative – runs through many fragile and conflict-affected countries. What are the factors China will need to consider to ensure their investments contribute to peace and security?

China’s cooperation in Central Asia and the implications for peace and stability

A recent event brought together Chinese scholars and experts from the UK, Russia and Kyrgyzstan to discuss China’s engagement in Central Asia and what it means for security in the region.

Cooperation or competition? China and Russia in Central Asia

Ivan Campbell considers whether relations between China and Russia in Central Asia are likely to be characterised by continuing pragmatic cooperation or growing competition.

Creating safer communities in the Ferghana Valley

A new video from Central Asia shows how our community safety programme is creating safer communities in the Ferghana Valley.