Stephen M. Bland

Uzbekistan is seeking to reshape its cotton industry, moving beyond raw exports toward higher-value textiles and fashion. A closer look at how the sector is evolving and what it means for the country’s economy. Read more from @BrucePannier. timesca.com/is-cotton-back-i…

Russia’s Rosatom is seeking new customers in Turkmenistan, exploring opportunities to expand its presence in the country’s energy sector and strengthen nuclear cooperation in Central Asia. Read more in our latest from @BrucePannier. timesca.com/rosatom-looking-…

The Caspian Sea’s declining water levels threaten Kazakhstan’s ambitions to expand transport and trade routes. An environmentalist warns that the shrinking sea could undermine port operations and regional connectivity. timesca.com/shrinking-caspia…

Kazakhstan is urging Russia to resume oil transit through the Druzhba pipeline to Germany after a six-month suspension, as the halt continues to affect one of the country’s key export routes to Europe. timesca.com/kazakhstan-asks-…

Uzbekistan has offered to host a regional UN counterterrorism office, putting forward the proposal at the Astana summit as Central Asian states seek closer coordination on security threats and regional cooperation. timesca.com/uzbekistan-offer…

In her latest opinion piece, @sophieibbotson_ explores what COP31 means for Central Asia, examining the region’s climate priorities, challenges, and role in shaping the global climate agenda. timesca.com/central-asia-at-…

Kazakhstan has resumed oil exports through the Atyrau-Samara pipeline after a drone attack halted shipments in Russia. The latest disruption highlights the risks of relying on Russian infrastructure for the country’s oil exports. timesca.com/kazakhstan-resum…

Tajik prisoners in Russia say they are being pressured to sign military contracts and fight in Ukraine. @StephenMBland reports on their allegations, Moscow’s denial, and their appeal to return home and serve their sentences in Tajikistan. timesca.com/tajik-prisoners-…

Spotlight on Central Asia podcast examines cooperation within the Organization of Turkic States following President Aliyev’s absence from the Ankara summit ow.ly/3wON5102zsm @SLonCentralAsia @BrucePannier @MikeHilliardAus

Kazakhstan’s U.S. exports are largely energy products and metals, not the manufactured goods typically associated with tariff evasion. Daniel A. Witt (@DanWitt_ITIC) calls for a more precise assessment of transshipment risks in U.S. trade policy. timesca.com/a-deeper-underst…

Kazakhstan’s Tokayev and Azerbaijan’s Aliyev held separate meetings with Israeli President Isaac Herzog in Baku. Hudson's @kenmoriyasu on how Central Asia and the South Caucasus pursue their own interests amid the Turkey–Israel rivalry. timesca.com/the-middle-easts…

Tajikistan’s security concerns are testing the CSTO’s commitment to collective defense, as the Russian-led alliance shows little urgency to respond. The hesitation raises questions about the bloc’s role in Central Asia’s regional security. @BrucePannier timesca.com/csto-in-no-hurry…

The Taliban has completed a 121-kilometer road to China, but the border remains closed. Security concerns and infrastructure gaps threaten Afghanistan’s plan to open a new trade route. @BrucePannier timesca.com/the-talibans-roa…

Small modular reactors are emerging as a new focus of U.S. energy engagement with Uzbekistan. @StephenMBland explores the technology’s role in Uzbekistan’s nuclear ambitions and Washington’s push to expand cooperation. timesca.com/u-s-promotes-sma…

Her teachers wanted her to paint. Batima Zaurbekova chose tapestry and became one of Kazakhstan’s most celebrated artists. At 80, she tells her story to TCA. (timesca.com/threading-a-new-…)

Kazakhstan is an emerging digital power. AI, data centers and connectivity drive its push for a globally competitive technology sector, Minister Zhaslan Madiyev tells TCA. timesca.com/kazakhstans-ai-s…

Drone strikes on Russian data centers have disrupted Yandex services across Central Asia, exposing the region’s reliance on Russian digital infrastructure and raising questions about the resilience of cross-border technology services. timesca.com/drone-strikes-on…

How do Central Asians who travel to Russia for work end up in the military? Our latest report examines the recruitment channels, legal pathways, and risks facing migrant workers. timesca.com/they-went-to-rus…

Reports of suspected plague in Russia have prompted Central Asian countries to review health measures and monitor potential risks, highlighting the region’s close cross-border links and the need for coordinated disease surveillance. @BrucePannier timesca.com/reports-of-suspe…

Central Asian leaders and Azerbaijan are heading to Avaza for their first formal summit, signaling a new phase in regional cooperation, connectivity, trade, and strategic ties. timesca.com/central-asia-and…