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Spotlight on Central Asia

spotlightoncentralasia
Central Asia
Kazakhstan
Kyrgyzstan
Turkmenistan
Tajikistan
Russia
Afghanistan
United States
Uzbekistan
Caspian Sea
C5 Plus One Conference
European Union
Kyrgyzstan Elections
Bishkek
Central Asian Migrants
Azerbaijan
Trump Administration
Kazakhstan Constitution
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 monthlyEpisodes52Founded5 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
PoliticsNewsNews Commentary

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Artwork for Spotlight on Central Asia

Latest Episodes

This week, we're covering a heatwave sweeping across Central Asia, anti-Taliban forces briefly seizing a district headquarters in a worrying sign of cracks in the Taliban's control, a shootout between different branches of Kyrgyzstan's security force... more

This week, we're covering a new election date being set in Kazakhstan, with the country's largest party staying off the ballot, rare protests in Turkmenistan over blackouts and economic frustration, the removal of one of Ashgabat's most important rel... more

This week, we're covering a major political merger in Kazakhstan, new counter-terrorism raids in southern Kyrgyzstan, a shock resignation inside the Kyrgyz government, security and military forces being placed on high alert across the country, and Uz... more

This week, we're covering the latest Eurasian Economic Union talks, a new defence deal between Moscow and a very unlikely ally, Kazakhstan putting itself forward to play a major role in the Iran nuclear talks, Turkmenistan once again conscripting pub... more

Key Facts

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Recent Guests

Steve Swerdlow
Associate Professor of Human Rights at the University of Southern California
University of Southern California
Episode: Taliban Troubles, Security Service Strife and the Deportation Divide
Bakhtyor Safarov
Founder of Central Asia Consulting and expert on internal politics of Tajikistan and Afghanistan
Central Asia Consulting
Episode: Taliban Troubles, Security Service Strife and the Deportation Divide
Medet Tulegenov
Professor of political science and international relations at Alatoo International University in Bishkek; Director of the Silk Road Research Center
Alatoo International University/Silk Road Research Center
Episode: Exclave Exchanges, Energy Anger, and Tashiev's Trial of the Century
Samuel Doveri Vesterbye
Managing Director of the European Neighborhood Council and expert on EU-Central Asia politics
European Neighborhood Council
Episode: Kazakh Coalitions, Kyrgyz Security Signals, and Uncovering Disinformation Networks in Central Asia
Kadyr Toktogulov
Former Kyrgyz ambassador to the United States and Canada, guest on the show
Former Kyrgyz ambassador, diplomat
Episode: Defence Deals, Cotton Conscription, and Kyrgyzstan's UN Victory
Salim Ayouzod
Director of Radio Free Liberty's Tajik Service
Radio Free Liberty Tajik Service
Episode: OTS Optimism, Afghan Ambushes, and a Deep Dive on the Next President of Tajikistan
Edward Lemon
President of the Oxus Society for Central Asian Affairs
Oxus Society for Central Asian Affairs
Episode: OTS Optimism, Afghan Ambushes, and a Deep Dive on the Next President of Tajikistan
Vadim Ni
Co-founder of the Save the Caspian movement; Executive director of the Social Ecological Fund
Save the Caspian movement; Social Ecological Fund
Episode: Bishkek's Backlash, Russia's New Red Lines, and a Caspian in Crisis
Chris Rickleton
Long-time Central Asia analyst and journalist
Episode: Florida Diplomacy, Kazakh Arrests, and the China-Kyrgyzstan Railway

Hosts

Bruce Pannier
Journalist and regional analyst focusing on Central Asia; long-running host on the show; affiliated with multiple regional outlets and organizations.
Michael Hilliard
Co-host and regional analyst with a focus on Central Asia; contributes host insights and guest-led analysis.

Reviews

4.8 out of 5 stars from 26 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 States9 months ago

Listeners Say

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

Two knowledgeable hosts with strong regional expertise.
High-quality guests who bring diverse perspectives.
Well-researched, data-driven insights into Central Asia.

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Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Taliban Troubles, Security Service Strife and the Deportation Divide
Q: Can you take us through why this issue is becoming such a major conversation at the moment?
The issue has gained prominence because it involves a real risk of political persecution being weaponized through extraditions, with Tajikistan and European countries involved in a pattern of deportations and alleged human rights abuses, alongside wider regional security concerns tied to Tajikistan-Afghanistan dynamics and border instability.
Exclave Exchanges, Energy Anger, and Tashiev's Trial of the Century
Q: Can you explain what happened with Kamchybek Tashiev and what it means for Kyrgyz politics going forward?
Tashiev was found guilty on one charge and not guilty on another, receiving probation rather than prison time, with significant asset seizures; the ruling is likely to influence his political relevance and the opposition's posture during the electoral cycle, potentially shaping how power is exercised and contested in Kyrgyzstan.
Kazakh Coalitions, Kyrgyz Security Signals, and Uncovering Disinformation Networks in Central Asia
Q: Sam, it's absolutely great to have you on the program today. And I want to start this whole chat with a pretty broad question. But for those people at home who haven't taken the time to read this report, what were some of the main findings that came out in it?
The report is a landmark analysis of foreign information manipulation in Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, detailing how big data is used to map narratives, the persistent presence of these narratives, the use of seed and amplifier accounts, and how both Western and non-Western actors are shaping public discourse through targeted and generalized messaging across platforms.
OTS Optimism, Afghan Ambushes, and a Deep Dive on the Next President of Tajikistan
Q: How would you describe Rustam Emomali in his younger days?
Salim Ayouzod explains that Rustam was once seen as a playboy and a volatile, untested figure who gradually built a political career, moving from youth roles to mayor and higher offices, which suggests a calculated grooming process rather than a sudden rise.
Bishkek's Backlash, Russia's New Red Lines, and a Caspian in Crisis
Q: Bruce: Can you take us through the Kyrgyzstan story and what makes the timing so fraught with elections on the horizon?
Bruce and Vadim discuss how arresting or otherwise dealing with Tashiev could spark unrest ahead of January elections, suggesting the government is weighing risks carefully while still pursuing legal actions.

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?

This program offers in-depth analysis of Central Asia's politics, security, and regional dynamics, often pairing two seasoned hosts with leading regional experts. Episodes weave current events—ranging from diplomacy and security alignments to energy, water governance, and migration—with long-form conversations that unpack leadership transitions, interstate cooperation, and external influences. A distinguishing feature is its strong emphasis on context and insider perspectives, drawing on think-tank researchers, journalists, and policy specialists to illuminate how regional developments intersect with global powers. The show's approachable yet data-informed style—often anchored by guest-led deep dives—makes it a valuable resource for anyone ... more

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How many listeners does Spotlight on Central Asia get?

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Which podcasts are similar to Spotlight on Central Asia?

These podcasts share a similar audience with Spotlight on Central Asia:

1. CAPS Unlock Podcast
2. The Red Line
3. Brussels Playbook Podcast
4. Empire: World History
5. In Our Time

How many episodes of Spotlight on Central Asia are there?

Spotlight on Central Asia launched 5 years ago and published 52 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

How do I contact Spotlight on Central Asia?

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What guests have appeared on Spotlight on Central Asia?

Recent guests on Spotlight on Central Asia include:

1. Steve Swerdlow
2. Bakhtyor Safarov
3. Medet Tulegenov
4. Samuel Doveri Vesterbye
5. Kadyr Toktogulov
6. Salim Ayouzod
7. Edward Lemon
8. Vadim Ni

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