Central Asian Countries Research Articles

On the consequences of climate change for the most vulnerable populations in the Central Asian region

The article reveals the problem of the impact of climate change in the Central Asian region on the most vulnerable segments of its population. The analysis identifies factors that negatively affect the level of poverty in the region, which include aging infrastructure and environmentally harmful economic activities in Central Asian countries. Climate change and its accompanying phenomena such as the increased incidence of natural disasters will lead to deterioration of the macroeconomic indicators of the Central Asian republics in the medium and long-term run and will increase in the number of people living below the international and national poverty lines. In this regard, the author proposes to attract the resources of the Eurasian Development Bank and the Eurasian Fund for Stabilization and Development already present in the region to assist the countries of Central Asia in overcoming the problems caused by climate change and adapting to this phenomenon.

Leadership And Democratization In Kazakhstan And Kyrgyzstan: Comparative Analysis Of Political Systems Of Post-Soviet Countries

This study aims to investigate the prospects of democratization in Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan by comparing their political systems. The primary objective is to identify the factors influencing the varying degrees of democratic development between these two Central Asian countries, despite their similar socio-cultural and historical backgrounds. The methodology employed involves a systems analysis approach, examining both "input" and "output" functions of the political systems. Key variables include the levels of democracy as the independent variable, and political parties, leaders, resource distribution, and opposition suppression as dependent variables. Results indicate that Kazakhstan, under Nazarbayev, maintained a more controlled political environment through patronage networks and resource allocation, effectively limiting opposition and preserving stability. In contrast, Kyrgyzstan exhibited a more dynamic political landscape with multiple power shifts, driven by competitive party politics and less centralized control over resources. However, both countries face significant challenges, including regional fragmentation, corruption, and the influence of Islamist movements, which complicate their democratic trajectories. The findings suggest that while Kyrgyzstan shows potential for democratic development due to its parliamentary system and active civil society, Kazakhstan's path is hindered by entrenched authoritarian practices and elite control.

Leaders Matter: the Regional Integration in Central Asia

After dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991, the Central Asian countries aimed to develop regional integration. Despite declarations of the states to enhance economic and political cooperation, the Central Asian integration institution was dissolved in 2005. This paper analyses the issue of regional integration in Central Asia with application of intergovernmentalism by Stanley Hoffmann with the aim of explaining hindrances which led to dissolution of the Central Asian integration structure. that divergent views of Presidents of Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan significantly hindered the development of the regional integration.

Central Asia and German foreign policy. Main directions and prospects

The article considers the interaction between Germany and the countries of Central Asia. The region is of interest to Berlin due to a complex of factors (security and countering international terrorism, trade and investment activities, diversification of markets and energy suppliers, migration management).

The first satellite tracking data on the migration of the common cuckoo Cuculus canorus (Cuculiformes, Cuculidae) from Southern Siberia (Khakassia, Russia)

In early June and July 2018 and 2019, during the reproduction period, we captured and equipped with satellite transmitters (5.3 g PinPoint GPS ARGOS 120) four males of the common cuckoo Cuculus canorus canorus (Linnaeus, 1758) in the vicinity of the city of Abakan in Khakassia, Southern Siberia. In one male, it was possible to track the route of autumn migration up to the border of the Democratic Republic of the Congo with Zambia (10 819 km), in another male to Western Iran. The routes of the other two birds were interrupted for unknown reasons in the Pavlodar region of Kazakhstan and in the Novosibirsk region. Satellite data confirmed our assumption that the cuckoos breeding in the territory of Southern Siberia migrate in autumn to the southwest via Kazakhstan, Central Asian countries (Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan), Iran, and Saudi Arabia to the southern part of Africa.

A novel recombinant Theileria annulata surface protein as an antigen in indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for the serological diagnosis of tropical theileriosis.

Theileria annulata infection in cattle causes major economic losses in livestock production in many Central Asian countries, including the southern region of Kazakhstan. This study aimed to obtain a recombinant T. annulata surface protein (TaSP) and to investigate its possible use as an antigen in an indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for the serological diagnosis of bovine theileriosis. Recombinant TaSP was obtained by cloning a polymorphic region of the TaSP gene, expressing it in Escherichia coli strain BL21, and purifying it by metal chelating chromatography. An indirect ELISA using recombinant TaSP as an antigen was developed and evaluated for the detection of T. annulata-specific antibodies in plasma samples from 69 cows polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-positive or PCR-negative for T. annulata and/or Theileria orientalis from southern Kazakhstan. The obtained recombinant protein had a molecular weight of 32 kDa, and mass spectrometry analysis of the purified protein identified it as a fragment of the surface protein of T. annulata. Initial testing of 69 field plasma samples from cattle showed that the results of indirect ELISA using TaSP as an antigen agreed substantially with those of T. annulata PCR (κ: 0.78). The relative sensitivity and specificity of indirect ELISA were 88.7% and 100%, respectively, using PCR as a reference. There was no evidence of cross-reaction with T. orientalis. Initial results using recombinant TaSP as an antigen in indirect ELISA are promising and support the widespread use of this assay for routine diagnosis and T. annulata seroprevalence studies in cattle in Kazakhstan and possibly neighboring countries.

Analysis of labor force, capital and production outputs of border territories of Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan on economic growth

Border areas can play a crucial role in market integration and infrastructure development between Central Asian countries, thus creating favorable economic growth and regional cooperation conditions. This study aims to assess the economic impact of border areas between Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, focusing on their role in enhancing market integration and infrastructure development to foster regional growth and cooperation. Focusing on labor and capital as essential production drivers, this study employs a sophisticated panel data regression model to explore the Cobb-Douglas production function’s application in these border territories. The research findings indicate that regions’ elasticity towards capital and labor inputs vary, necessitating differentiated economic strategies. For capital-intensive areas, we recommend prioritizing investments in infrastructure and technology to boost production outputs. Conversely, in regions where labor significantly influences production, the emphasis should be on human capital development through education, training, and improved labor market conditions. The study’s insights into the evolving trade relations between the two countries underscore the need for flexible economic policies to enhance regional integration and cooperation. This research not only fills a crucial knowledge gap but also offers a blueprint for leveraging the diverse economic landscapes of Central Asia’s border areas in future policy-making and regional economic strategy.

A promising strategy for conservation of endemic plant Euonymus koopmannii

Abstract. Gubaidullin N, Kali B, Tussipkan D, Manabayeva SA. 2024. A promising strategy for conservation of Central Asian endemic plant Euonymus koopmannii. Biodiversitas 25: 3114-3120. Cryopreservation of endemic plants is necessary to safeguard the biodiversity and genetic resources of unique species that may face extinction due to climate change or human activities. This process enables the long-term preservation of their genetic information and ensures the possibility of restoring these species. Euonymus koopmannii Lauche is, known as E. nanus var. turkestanicus, is a native to Kazakhstan and other Central Asian countries. The E. koopmannii is listed in the Red Book of Kazakhstan and has ecological importance in soil stabilization and its decorative value. This study aims to contribute to the conservation efforts of E. koopmannii by establishing an effective cryopreservation protocol for its meristems. This study has identified for the first time an optimized cryopreservation protocol for E. koopmannii meristems involving specific treatment durations and osmotic solutions. The protocol resulted in a significantly higher survival rate (60%) when meristems were precultured with 0.3 M sucrose, treated with Plant Vitrification Solution 2 for 30 min., and regenerated on a medium with 20 g/L sucrose. Secondly, a comparative analysis of cryopreserved regenerates with a control group has revealed that cryopreservation negatively impacted the plant height but significantly increased the number of meristem shoots and roots. This finding highlights the trade-off between growth and root development in cryopreserved plants. Thirdly, the presented optimization of the cryopreservation protocol provides valuable insights for the preservation and regeneration of E. koopmannii meristems. It emphasizes the critical importance of precise treatments and the composition of the nutrient medium to achieve successful cryopreservation and subsequent recovery of plants in tissue culture. This research provides essential information for conserving E. koopmannii, shedding light on the intricate balance required to apply cryopreservation techniques effectively.

Analysis of the Relationship between External Debt and Economic Growth in Central Asian Countries

Analysis of the Relationship between External Debt and Economic Growth in Central Asian Countries

Environmental economics of green recovery in mineral extraction: Balancing production and conservation

This study examines data from 1995 to 2021 using self-regressive distribution lag modeling to uncover how mineral wealth utilization influences sustainable development in select Central Asian countries. Our findings highlight a critical challenge: increased mineral asset mining significantly hampers the region's ecological growth, both immediately and over time, due to its detrimental environmental impacts. However, there is a beacon of hope: a 1% increase in hydropower output can elevate the sustainability score by 0.19% in the long term and 0.10% in the short term, showcasing the transformative potential of renewable energy. On the flip side, escalating carbon dioxide emissions pose a serious threat, stalling green financial development through ecological harm and higher healthcare costs. Furthermore, urbanization slightly diminishes the long-term sustainability score by 0.06%. This gives a clear confirmation of the necessity of Central Asian countries to embrace the renovation of the state's vectors for conformism towards the idea of ecological sustainability. The necessary legislative measures, the development of renewable power sources, making natural resources trading more effective and integrating eco-friendly finance to support green projects will help the region chart its course toward a sustainable and prosperous development.

External debt burden and economic growth: evidence from Central Asia

ABSTRACT The main goal of this article is to analyse the effects of external debt accumulation on economic growth amongst Central Asian countries. We have applied a time-series methodology utilising annual data from 2000–2017 to show that external debt has had a negative and significant effect on economic growth in Central Asian countries. We found that debt overhang will cause a higher marginal tax rate on the future output of each country, thus leading to an investment slowdown and reducing output growth by limiting productivity expansion. Moreover, we can affirm that the negative effect of external debt is often associated with the poor level of institutions and governance of Central Asian countries.

PROSPECTS OF CENTRAL ASIAN MARKETS FOR RUSSIAN OIL COMPANIES

This article is devoted to the current state of the oil sector in the Central Asian countries and an assessment of the prospects of their markets for expanding the presence of Russian companies. The author highlights the main factors that determine the current situation in the oil producing and refining industries in the region: the overall availability of energy resources in general and crude oil in particular, property rights to oil producing and refining enterprises and operating oil pipelines, as well as international agreements in this area concluded over the past five years. The article substantiates the conclusion that today the potential of the region as a transport and logistics corridor and a center for oil production and refining remains largely untapped. In this regard, for Russian companies, the greatest interest lies in measures to establish control over pipelines from countries focused on the export of oil and oil products (Kazakhstan and, to a lesser extent, Turkmenistan) and to strengthen the presence in the domestic markets of those countries that focus on importing energy resources (Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan) by creating their own transport and refinement infrastructure.

Migration, Remittances, and Economic Growth: Evidence From Central Asian Countries

Migration, Remittances, and Economic Growth: Evidence From Central Asian Countries

The “Stolen Revolution” and Hope: ‘Progressive’ and ‘Conservative’ Forces of the Contemporary Political Context of Kyrgyzstan

Abstract This article examines the role of the progressive forces in recent revolutions in Kyrgyzstan, and asks why their movements have not led to real political change in this Central Asian country. In Kyrgyzstan, the progressive forces are identified with such groups as young people, the educated middle class, lawyers, and journalists. Their discourses, such as demands for fair elections and the rule of law, have been central to the three revolutions that have taken place in Kyrgyzstan since 2005, as has their concept of Umut, or hope. The central thesis of this article is that, although these forces may have led recent revolutionary movements, they have proved unable to establish political dominance after the completion of revolutionary processes. Instead, after each revolutionary attempt, the rules of “local politics” have been consistently reasserted in Kyrgyzstan. These are rules based on the power of informal social and political networks governed by rules of reciprocity and the pursuit of self-interest. In spite of this recurring outcome, the progressive forces retain their commitment to hope, and it is the prism of hope which this paper uses to make sense of revolution’s failure. In this paper, a contribution to the anthropology of revolution, that idea of hope is deconstructed: this permits a greater focus on how and why the promises of revolution have, so far, been betrayed and unfulfilled in contemporary Kyrgyzstan, where the idea of hope plays a fundamental representational and political role.

Education for sustainable development: comparative analysis and prospects at universities in Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan

The study, conducted in higher education institutions in Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan, highlights ongoing changes in approaches to education for sustainable development (ESD) in Central Asian countries. This region, exposed to various challenges such as climate change and environmental problems, has recognized the importance and role of education in achieving sustainable development. The study aims to identify the current level of awareness of students and teachers about the Sustainable Development Goals, as well as to understand how universities in the region are integrating ESD principles into their educational programs.The results show that students generally have limited knowledge about the global sustainable development goals, while teachers have a higher level of awareness. Most students receive information about the sustainable development goals (SDGs) through social media and the Internet, while it is less reflected in the curriculum. However, there is a trend towards changing this situation, in particular in Tajikistan, where curricula are becoming more focused on environmental education.Finally, recommendations for universities include integrating ESD principles into teacher development, developing teaching methods and materials, and strengthening collaboration at the regional and international levels to promote sustainable development goals.

Integration in development: assessing socio-economic strategies of Kazakhstan and Central Asia

The study focuses on the specifics and peculiarities of the implementation of strategic plans in the sphere of economy and politics of Central Asian (CA) countries in response to the challenges of deglobalisation. The purpose of the article is to analyse and evaluate the socio-economic strategies of Kazakhstan and Central Asian countries in the context of their integration processes and development, and to determine their impact on regional stability and international cooperation. The study was conducted using such scientific methods as systematic literature review, meta-analysis, analytical synthesis, comparative and critical analysis. The scientific significance of the study lies in the systematisation and critical analysis of the strategies of socio-economic development of CA countries through the prism of their participation in regional integration processes, which allows to deepen the understanding of this multidimensional phenomenon. The practical significance of the work is expressed in the formation of proposals for the optimisation of integration processes, which is important for the creation of an effective economic environment in the region. The results of the study are of value for the academic community, politicians and experts dealing with regional integration and international economic relations in general. The recommendations proposed in the article can be used to develop more effective mechanisms of interstate interaction and the formation of sustainable economic policy.

The Impact of Human Cystic Echinococcosis in the Central Asian Region, 1990-2019.

This research aims to update knowledge on the regional and national sickness burden attributable to cystic echinococcosis (CE) from 1990 to 2019, as well as epidemiology and disease control, with a particular emphasis on the People's Central Asian Regions. We calculated the morbidity, mortality, and disability-adjusted life years at the global, regional, and national levels for CE in all central Asian countries from 1990 to 2019, and we analyzed the association between GDP per capita and the disease burden of CE. In 2019, the three greatest numbers of CE cases were recorded in Kazakhstan [23986; 95% uncertainty interval (UI); 19796; 28908]; Uzbekistan (41079; 18351; 76048); and Tajikistan (10887; 4891; 20170) among all 9 countries. The three countries with the greatest ASIR of CE were estimated to be Kazakhstan (127.56; 95% UI: 105.34-153.8), Uzbekistan (123.53; 95% UI: 58.65-219.16), and Tajikistan (121.88; 58.57-213.93). Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan had the biggest increases (125%, 97%, and 83%, respectively) in the number of incident cases of CE, whereas Georgia, Kazakhstan, and Armenia saw the largest decreases (45%, 8%, and 3%, respectively). To reduce the illness burden caused by CE, our findings may help public health professionals and policymakers design cost-benefit initiatives. To lessen the impact of CE on society, it is suggested that more money be given to the region's most endemic nations. Echinococcosis, cystic, negative health effects, life-years lost due to disability, rate of occurrence as a function of age, rate of death as a function of age.

Do Retailers Compete Against Informal Firms? A Comparison of the Periods of the Global Crisis and Post-Crisis

This study investigates the transformation of competitive dynamics between formal sector retailers and their informal sector counterparts in Eastern European and Central Asian countries after the 2008-2009 global financial crisis. The absence of extensive government bailouts in these regions intensified the economic repercussions of the crisis. This study used data from the BEEPS II and BEEPS IV (i.e. Business Environment and Enterprise Performance Survey) surveys conducted by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development and the World Bank with a focus on informal competition in Eastern Europe and Central Asia based on data from owners or top-managers of companies working in this region. To investigate the impact of the global crisis on informal competition for retailers, survey results in 2008 (“crisis period”) were compared with the data in 2013 (“post-crisis period”). Non-parametric tests, specifically the Mann-Whitney-Wilcoxon tests, were used to compare the 2008 and 2013 results. Binary logistic regressions were used to identify factors influencing the perception of competition from the informal sector (Pearson correlation coefficients and assessed Variance Inflation Factors to detect multicollinearity issues). Findings reveal a significant shift post-crisis shift with a reduced proportion of formal sector retailers competing with informal firms. Notably, this effect is statistically insignificant for retailers with sole proprietorships and partnerships and those with internationally recognized quality certifications. Moreover, research highlights a diminished perception of informal competitors as substantial hindrances to retailers’ business operations post-crisis. However, this observation is not statistically significant for retail businesses structured as partnerships. Logistic regression indicates that smaller firms, firms led by a more experienced top manager, and firms with a female top manager are more prone to perceive competition from the informal sector. Furthermore, this study delves into the factors shaping retailers’ perceptions across post-Soviet and other transition countries, revealing differences in the impact of firm size and female ownership. This nuanced investigation contributes depth to the current literature concerning the interconnections between formal and informal retail sectors. It offers a comparative analysis focusing on post-Soviet states and other transitioning nations in Eastern Europe and Central Asia.

Being yourself is a defect: analysis of documented rights violations related to sexual orientation, gender identity and HIV in 2022 using the REAct system in six eastern European, Caucasus and Central Asian countries.

Removing legal barriers to HIV services is crucial for the global 2030 goal of ending the HIV and AIDS epidemic, particularly in eastern Europe, the Caucasus and central Asia. Despite state commitments to uphold human rights, gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men (gbMSM), along with transgender people (TP) still face stigma and discrimination. This article presents an analysis of rights violations based on sexual orientation and gender identity (SOGI) and HIV reported in 2022 across six countries, highlighting features and their links to legislation and law enforcement practices. We examined documented cases of rights violations among gbMSM and TP in Armenia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan and Ukraine in 2022 using the REAct system, a tool for documenting and responding to rights violations against key populations. Initially, we employed directed content analysis based on Yogyakarta Principles to analyse narratives of violations. A codebook was developed through contextual, manifest and latent coding, with themes, categories and codes converted into quantitative variables for statistical analysis. Descriptive statistics were used to identify the characteristics of violations. A total of 456 cases of rights violations related to SOGI and HIV were documented, ranging from 22 cases in Tajikistan to 217 in Ukraine. Most violations concerned gbMSM (76.5%), with one-fifth involving TP, predominantly transgender women. Complex violations with multiple perpetrators or infringements were documented in Armenia and central Asia. Privacy rights were commonly violated, often through outing. Cases of violations of the right to the highest attainable standard of health (13.6%) and protection from medical abuses (2.6%) were also documented. Other rights violations were sporadic, with each country exhibiting distinct patterns of violated rights and types of violations. In Ukraine, the full-scale war in 2022 influenced the nature of documented cases, reflecting the challenges faced by gbMSM and TP. Monitoring rights violations proved effective for assessing the situation of gbMSM and TP, particularly in the insufficiently studied and diverse eastern Europe, Caucasus and central Asia regions. As rights violations are linked to both legislation and law enforcement practices, comprehensive interventions to minimize structural and interpersonal stigma are essential.

Global burden of adult non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) has been steadily increasing over the past decades and is expected to persist in the future.

At present, there is a dearth of comprehensive data at the global, national, and regional levels regarding the adult non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) prevalence. This cross-sectional study aims at ascertaining the prevalence of NAFLD and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), utilizing body mass index (BMI) as a determining factor. Based on the NHANES database, sigmoidal fitting curves were generated to establish the relationship between BMI and the risk of NAFLD/NASH. Utilizing BMI data from the NCD Risk Factor Collaboration (NCD-RisC) database at both global and regional levels, the prevalence of NAFLD/NASH among adults was estimated from 1975 to 2016, encompassing global, regional, and national perspectives. Additionally, projections were made to forecast the prevalence of adult NAFLD/NASH from 2017 to 2030. In 2016, the global prevalence of NAFLD was 41.12% for males and 37.32% for females, while the global prevalence of NASH was 15.79% for males and 16.48% for females. The prevalence of NAFLD/NASH increased with higher BMI in both genders. Over the period from 1975 to 2016, there has been a gradual increase in the global prevalence of NAFLD/NASH in adults, and this trend is expected to continue between 2017 and 2030. In males, the prevalence of adult NAFLD/NASH was found to be highest in High-income Western countries, while it was highest in Central Asia, Middle East, and North African countries after 1995. The prevalence of adult NAFLD/NASH has been observed to increase annually, with significant variations in burden across different countries and regions.