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Artwork for Spotlight on Central Asia

Spotlight on Central Asia

spotlightoncentralasia
Central Asia
Kazakhstan
Kyrgyzstan
Turkmenistan
Tajikistan
Afghanistan
United States
Russia
C5 Plus One Conference
Bishkek
Kyrgyzstan Elections
Central Asian Migrants
Caspian Sea
European Union
Azerbaijan
Trump Administration
Kazakhstan Constitution
Uzbekistan
Afghanistan–pakistan Conflict
Ukraine

A fortnightly podcast offering analysis of Central Asia and its role in the wider world, featuring regional news, insights, and expert perspectives. Hosted by Bruce Pannier and Michael Hilliard. Proudly presented by The Times of Central Asia, The Oxus Society for Central Asian Affairs and the European Neighbourhood Council. For more info and stories, please visit: - The Times of Central Asia (http... more

PublishesTwice monthlyEpisodes45Founded5 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
PoliticsNewsNews Commentary

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Artwork for Spotlight on Central Asia

Latest Episodes

This week, we examine a series of significant developments across Central Asia, from the deepening fallout of Kyrgyzstan's political power struggle, with fresh arrests, widening investigations, and reports of military build-ups in one of the country'... more

This week, we examine a series of major developments across Central Asia, from the results of Kazakhstan's constitutional referendum to the announcement of new Chinese-funded border outposts and fortifications along Tajikistan's frontier. We also loo... more

This week, we examine a series of major developments across the region, from unusual trade figures linking Afghanistan and Central Asia, to the expansion of border fencing and fortifications between two Central Asian states. We also look at the arres... more

This week, we'll be covering Kazakhstan announcing the date for its upcoming constitutional referendum, controversial polling decisions in Kazakhstan, a new fighting force forming that could make the Tajikistan–Afghanistan border even more volatile, ... more

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Recent Guests

Christine Fair
Professor of security studies, Georgetown University
Georgetown University
Episode: Arrests, Agreements and the Afghanistan-Pakistan Conflict
Eugene Simonov
Senior researcher with Rivers Without Borders Coalition
Rivers Without Borders Coalition
Episode: Referendums, Rockets, and the Rogun Dam
Mark Bodor
Researcher with Coalition for Human Rights and Development
Coalition for Human Rights and Development
Episode: Referendums, Rockets, and the Rogun Dam
Stephen M. Bland
Managing editor and head of investigations at The Times of Central Asia
The Times of Central Asia
Episode: Iran, Air Strikes and Central Asia's Strategic Dilemma
Emil Dzhuraev
Leading Kyrgyzstan watcher and political analyst
Episode: Coups, Crackdowns and a Border Build-up
Yevgeny Zhovtis
Human rights lawyer and former director of the Kazakhstan International Bureau for Human Rights and the Rule of Law
Episode: Sales, Sanctions, and a New Kazakh Constitution
Aiman Umarova
Kazakh lawyer and human rights defender specializing in the law of Central Asia
Episode: Sales, Sanctions, and a New Kazakh Constitution
Eduards Stiprais
EU Special Representative for Central Asia and former Latvian diplomat with over 30 years of experience
European Union
Episode: Astana's Military Shake-Up and Brussels' Big Bet in Central Asia
Tolkun Umaraliev
Regional Director for Central Asia at Radio Free Europe, Radio Liberty
Radio Free Europe, Radio Liberty
Episode: Central Asian Workers Under Attack in Russia

Hosts

Bruce Pannier
Host of Spotlight on Central Asia
Michael Hilliard
Co-host of Spotlight on Central Asia

Reviews

4.8 out of 5 stars from 24 ratings
  • Two Greats Assume the Helm

    The most authoritative look into Central Asia by two of the most knowledgeable experts in the field. Bruce and Michael have years of experience and have their finger on the pulse of the region.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Cesare Beccaria
    United States5 months ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Analytical and insightful coverage of Central Asia's geopolitics.
Balanced discussions that connect domestic politics to regional strategy.
Consistently informative on migration and energy issues in the region.
High-quality guests with deep regional expertise.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Apple Podcasts
#66
China/News/Politics
Apple Podcasts
#85
Poland/News/Politics

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Arrests, Agreements and the Afghanistan-Pakistan Conflict
Q: What are Afghanistan and Pakistan trying to achieve with this conflict?
Both sides seek strategic security outcomes: Pakistan wants Afghanistan to curb sanctuary for the Pakistani Taliban and ISKP, while Afghanistan aims to resist coercive pressure and preserve its own security and autonomy, recognizing the profound regional spillovers and the difficulty of achieving a lasting settlement without broader regional engagement.
Coups, Crackdowns and a Border Build-up
Q: Can you tell us first about this appeal, this letter signed by 75 people and how that started this full controversy?
The letter signed by 75 individuals was a notable event, signaling a heavyweights' backing for calls to move toward preterm presidential elections in Kyrgyzstan, amid public debates on the legitimacy of the president's term.
Sales, Sanctions, and a New Kazakh Constitution
Q: What do you think the elimination of that upper chamber will do to Kazakh politics?
It could consolidate power or potentially lead to more representation.
Sales, Sanctions, and a New Kazakh Constitution
Q: Aiman, when you look at what they're going to change, what jumps out at you?
Concerns regarding the guarantee of law institutions and freedom of speech.
Central Asian Workers Under Attack in Russia
Q: How likely is it that you will see some of these Central Asian governments actually tackle this issue head on?
Central Asian governments show minor reactions to incidents of violence against migrants but often lack the political will to confront Moscow due to reliance on remittances from the migrant workers.

Audience Metrics

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Frequently Asked Questions About Spotlight on Central Asia

What is Spotlight on Central Asia about and what kind of topics does it cover?

A rigorous, region-focused analysis of Central Asia, with frequent looks at Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Afghanistan. Episodes blend political developments, security dynamics, migration, sanctions, and international diplomacy, often featuring guests who provide on-the-ground or policy-level insights from think tanks, diplomacy, journalism, and regional organizations. Notable strengths include timely connections between domestic politics and regional strategy, plus thoughtful discussion of Western engagement (EU, US) with the region. The format tends to balance straightforward reportage with expert context, making it useful for listeners who want a clear read on how regional events fit into broader geopolitical trend... more

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Which podcasts are similar to Spotlight on Central Asia?

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1. Turan Tales
2. CAPS Unlock Podcast
3. Deep Dive Central Asia
4. Pekingology
5. The Foreign Affairs Interview

How many episodes of Spotlight on Central Asia are there?

Spotlight on Central Asia launched 5 years ago and published 45 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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What guests have appeared on Spotlight on Central Asia?

Recent guests on Spotlight on Central Asia include:

1. Christine Fair
2. Eugene Simonov
3. Mark Bodor
4. Stephen M. Bland
5. Emil Dzhuraev
6. Yevgeny Zhovtis
7. Aiman Umarova
8. Eduards Stiprais

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