Central Asian Countries Research Articles

China’s BRI in Central Asia & Its Impact: An Appraisal of the 10 Years

The year 2023 marked the ten-year anniversary of Chinese President Xi Jinping inaugurating the ambitious Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) during his state visit to Kazakhstan. This article discusses China’s approach towards Central Asian countries under the BRI and their responses. While China has evidently profited from expanding connectivity along the ancient silk road and meeting its strategic interests, it is essential to understand whether Central Asian states have equally benefited from this initiative. Furthermore, the concern of debt-trap diplomacy has been prevalent in low-income countries where BRI has been operational. In this context, the article seeks to locate Central Asia in BRI, evaluating its impact on the region to determine if the BRI is a win-win for both the parties involved as touted by China. This article argues that despite differing interests and concerns about potential debt-traps, the BRI has been largely beneficial for both China and Central Asia given that BRI investments and projects remain crucial for the growth and development of these states and the region.

Lessons Learned from the Experiences of Domestic Violence Service Providers in Times of Crisis: Insights from a Central Asian Country

Domestic violence is a widespread problem in both stable and crisis contexts. During crisis-driven periods, such as environmental, economic, political, and health emergencies, existing gender inequalities are exacerbated, and the risks of violence against women (VAW) are amplified. This qualitative study explores the experiences of professionals working in VAW organisations in a Central Asian country during the COVID-19 pandemic. By interviewing 45 professionals from social care organisations in Kazakhstan, this study aims to understand the impact of COVID-19 on the ability of VAW organisations to assist victims of domestic violence and comprehend the adjustments they made to support victims. The findings shed light on the challenges faced by VAW organisations, including reduced capacity, increased service demand, the shift to remote services, and funding cuts. The study highlights the critical role of these organisations in crises and urges the consideration of lessons learned to prevent VAW in emergency and non-emergency situations. In the Central Asian region, where domestic violence is persistent, this research offers valuable insights for interventions during and after crises. The study offers effective strategies for achieving Sustainable Development Goal 5.2, which aims to eliminate violence against women, and SDG 3.8, ensuring access to healthcare, psychological support, and safe environments.

Environmental and social welfare effects of aviation liberalization: Evidence from Central Asia and China market

We investigate the effects of international aviation liberalization between China and Central Asia on environment and social welfare. Based on monthly international air traffic data between Central Asia and China, we estimate a random-coefficients discrete choice model and perform a counterfactual analysis to quantify the effects of improved air connectivity, mainly considering that the ratio of direct and connecting aviation services between Central Asia and Beijing is the same as those between Central Asia and Russia, between Central Asia and other former Soviet Union countries and between Central Asia and other Asian countries. The main findings are as follows. First, improving air connectivity intensifies competition in the market, resulting in a decrease in the passenger-weighted average airfares between Central Asia and Beijing by 0.86–5.15 US dollars (USD) in 2012 and an increase in the total number of passengers by 2930–20,790. Second, improving air connectivity increases total carbon emissions (CO2) between Central Asia and Beijing by 0.78–6.11 million kilograms (kg) in 2012 but also drives down per capita CO2 emissions in this market by 0.78–2.38 kg. Third, while increasing total environmental externality costs, improving air connectivity significantly enhances consumer welfare and airline profits, resulting in a net social benefit of 14.02–44.12 million USD between Central Asia and Beijing in 2012. Finally, several policy implications are discussed.

How likely are Eastern European and central Asian countries to achieve global NCD targets: multi-country analysis

BackgroundIn Europe, mortality rates from noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) among persons 30–69 years of age (“NCD premature mortality rates”) have declined significantly, except in twelve countries of Eastern Europe and Central Asia, namely Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Russia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Ukraine and Uzbekistan. Data on long-term trends in NCD mortality in these countries are limited. We analyzed NCD premature mortality rates, identified change points in NCD mortality trends and forecasted how likely countries are to achieve the global NCD targets, stratified by gender and NCD type.MethodsWe used the 1990–2019 Global Burden of Disease database to analyze NCD trends and identified country-specific change points by using piecewise linear regression. We assessed the likelihood of achieving the global targets for reducing NCD premature mortality rates among persons 30–69 years of age from four NCDs: cancers, diabetes, cardiovascular and chronic respiratory diseases. The global NCD targets are 25% reduction in mortality from 2010 to 2025 (WHO 25X25 target) and 33%—from 2015 to 2030 (SDG 3.4.1). We applied the analysis to both genders and four NCDs.ResultsOnly Kazakhstan and Russia are likely to achieve the global NCD targets. For Kazakhstan, WHO 25X25 and SDG 3.4.1 global targets for mortality rates were 494.3 and 374.8 per 100,000 population respectively; the corresponding predicted values (PVs) were 360.6 [CI 260.1–461.1] and 245.1 [CI 113.4–376.8]. For Russia, WHO 25X25 and SDG 3.4.1 global targets were 560.5 and 442.8 per 100,000 population respectively; the corresponding PVs were 427.7 [CI 270.3–585.1] and 311.0 [CI 102.8–519.1]. Achieving NCD global targets is less likely for Kyrgyzstan, while it is unlikely for the rest of countries. Most countries had higher mortality rates and slower progress among men compared with women. The likelihood of achieving overall global NCD targets was mainly explained by reduction in cardiovascular mortality.ConclusionsIn most Eastern Europe and Central Asia countries, progress towards achieving NCD global targets is slow, or there’s a reverse trend. Further quantitative and qualitative research is needed to understand the underlying reasons. Separate indicators are needed to monitor trends for cancers, diabetes and chronic respiratory diseases.

THE TURNING POINT OF THE FOREIGN POLICY OF THE REPUBLIC OF TURKIYE: TURNING EAST

In the late twentieth century, after the end of the Cold War, the world underwent a significant transformation, leading to a multipolar system. This shift was characterized by the rise of various regional powers seeking to play a prominent role in global politics. The Republic of Turkiye, in particular, has been actively seeking to assert its position in the contemporary international order. This article examines the complexities of Turkish foreign policy, analyzing its legal framework, current aspects, priorities, and strategic approaches. Additionally, it explores the shift in Turkish foreign policy towards Eastern regions, away from its historical dependence on the West and towards the concept of "Turkish World", particularly in relation to Turkic-speaking countries in Central Asia and the Caucasus. In addition, the paper provides theoretical insights into the impact of foreign policy and diplomacy on various stakeholders, as well as the potential of soft power tools in the pursuit of foreign policy goals.

Educational Migration to Kyrgyzstan: Trends and Prospects

Educational migration in Kyrgyzstan has its own socio-demographic structure, which may vary depending on a number of factors, such as age, gender, nationality, educational level, etc. One of the main trends of educational migration to Kyrgyzstan is the increase in the number of students from neighboring countries such as Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, as well as the countries of Central Asia and the Caucasus. This is due to both economic reasons and historical ties and cultural similarities between these countries. Educational migration to Kyrgyzstan from India, Pakistan and other countries has its own socio-demographic structure, which differs from educational migration from other countries. One of the main factors that stimulates educational migration is the lack of quality education in the home country. Many students seek to get an education in the West, where it is considered to be of higher quality and prestigious. In addition, educational migration can be caused by the desire to improve prospects in the labor market and get a highly paid job abroad. The forecast of educational migration in Kyrgyzstan is given. The author believes that there will be a positive trend in the development of educational migration in Kyrgyzstan, which will have a positive impact on the economy of Kyrgyzstan. The developed recommendations for improving the education management system in the Kyrgyz Republic contribute to the promotion and implementation of educational services aimed at students.

TRANSPORT SYSTEMS AS ESSENTIAL PART OF GOVERNMENT POLICY

The paper discusses the significance of transport systems as a crucial compone nt of public policy in the majority of countries worldwide. Transport policy aims to achieve various objectives, including promoting economic growth, enhancing accessibility, improving safety, reducing environmental impacts, and promoting social equity. A significant aspect is the substantial funding required to construct and maintain transportation infrastructure, includin g roadways, railway tracks, airports, harbors, and publictransportation systems.Special emphasis is placed on international transport corridors such as the Trans-Caspia n International Transportation Route, which complements the Chinese Belt and Road initiative and presents new opportunities for trade between China and European nations. The paper emphasize s the importance of collaboration between different levels of government and internationa l stakeholders to address cross-border transportation challenges and harmonize regulations. The authors also discuss the role of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization in the development of regional transportation infrastructure and logistics. They highlight key issues such as outdate d infrastructure, high transportation costs, low efficiency, and the need for increased transit capacity. Additionally, they discuss other international initiatives, such as the Eurasian Economic Union and Central Asian Regional Economic Cooperation that aim to improve regional connectivity and facilitate trade.In conclusion, they emphasize the importance of strategic planning and investment in transportation systems to promote sustainable economic growth and enhance transportation links between Central Asian countries and other regions of the world.

THE ROLE OF TRANSPORT CORRIDORS IN STRENGTHENING IRANIAN REGIONAL COOPERATION IN CENTRAL ASIA

The role of transport corridors in strengthening regional cooperation in Centra l Asia is critical, especially in the context of Iran's evolving foreign policy. Amidst the backdrop of the Russian-Ukrainian confrontation and the expansion of major infrastructure projects like the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC), Iran's strategic initiatives in Central Asia have gained prominence. This article aims to explore how transport corridors can enhance Iran's regional influence and cooperation with Central Asian countries. The main question addressed is: how do these transport corridors contribute to regiona l stability and economic integration? The hypothesis is that Iran's active participation in developing these corridors, particularly through key projects like the Chabahar Port, not only boosts trade and connectivity but also counters geopolitica l isolation and fosters long-term regional cooperation. The research utilizes the theory of regional integration and interdependence, supported by qualitative content analysis of documents, texts, and expert interviews related to regional transport strategies.The findings indicate that efficient transport infrastructure is fundamental for economic development and political stability in Central Asia. Iran's collaboration with Russia and China further amplifies the benefits of these corridors, providing a strategic counterbalance to Western influence. Ultimately, the study highlights that Iran's role in Central Asia is pivotal for broader regional integration and sustainable development.

Конституционные преобразования политических систем постсоветских государств Центральной Азии

The article examines the constitutional transformations of the political systems of the Central Asian states, which had an impact on the structure, powers and competence of the key power actors that make up the apparatus of public power, the political practice of their functioning and interaction with each other, which in turn affected the choice of the form of government and the configuration of political forces in the post-Soviet states under consideration. The authors trace the relationship between the constitutional reforms carried out in the post-Soviet states and the choice of the form (i.e. model) of government. As a result, the authors concluded that the two Central Asian countries under consideration, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan, have chosen a presidential (presidential-centric) model of government, with strict autocratic tendencies in public administration, which is explained by the type of political leadership and the mentality of the majority of the country's electoral corps. Whereas Kazakhstan, which has long adhered to the same formula as the two above-mentioned countries, since the constitutional reforms of 2017. There is a transformation from a super-presidential to a presidential, and subsequently a mixed republic, while retaining key powers of the head of state.

IMPACT OF CLIMATE CHANGE ON MIGRATION PROCESSES IN CENTRAL ASIA

The article discusses the problems of climate change, water scarcity, desertification and how these problems affect migration processes in Kazakhstan and the Central Asian region. The main objective of the study is to analyze the conceptual problems of climate migration in Central Asia, as well as to identify their key aspects and the possibility of mitigating the effects of global warming. The main objectives of the study include analyzing scientific research, legislative acts and international studies related to new aspects of migration, reviewing environmental factors of migration processes, studying the relationship between climate change and migration. The study used methods of qualitative analysis of expert opinions and methods of substantive analysis of scientific publications. The use of social forecasting methods made it possible to identify the scientific novelty that global warming is an important factor in migration processes. The results of the study allow for a better understanding of the challenges under consideration, which have a global context. But given their degree of influence in Central Asia in general and Kazakhstan in particular, global warming may have a more negative effect. The interrelation of these challenges on migration processes, security and development of Kazakhstan and Central Asian countries is considered. In addition, possible approaches to reduce the effect of global warming are analyzed, as well as the need to increase research in this direction.

Trends and social determinants of the obesity epidemic among reproductive-age women in ten Asian countries

The rapid epidemiological transition in Asian countries, resulting from the rising trend of urbanisation and lifestyle changes, is associated with an increasing risk of obesity in women of reproductive age. This is the first study to investigate the trends and population-attributable fraction (PAF) of obesity, and the interaction effects of education and wealth on obesity among reproductive-age women aged 15–49 years in ten Asian countries. This cross-sectional study examined the most recent (2000 to 2022) Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS) data from ten Central and Southeast Asian countries. Multilevel multinomial logistic regression models were used to compute odds ratios (ORs). PAFs adjusted for communality were calculated using adjusted ORs and prevalence estimates for each risk factor. This study included a weighted sample of 743,494 reproductive-age women. All the countries showed an increasing trend for obesity and a decreasing trend for underweight, except for the Maldives. The highest PAFs of obesity were associated with women who were married (PAF = 22.2%; 95% CI 22.1, 22.4), aged 35–49 years (PAF = 16.4%; 95% CI 15.5, 17.1), resided in wealthy households (PAF = 14.5%; 95% CI 14.4, 14.5), watched television regularly (PAF = 12.5%; 95% CI 12.1, 12.8), and lived in urban areas (PAF = 7.8%; 95% CI 7.7, 8.0). The combined PAF showed that these five risk factors were associated with 73.3% (95% CI 71.8, 74.9) of obesity among reproductive-age women. Interaction analysis between women’s education and household wealth revealed that having a secondary or higher level of education and residing in a wealthier household was associated with a lower risk of obesity (OR = 0.71, 95% CI 0.66, 0.76). The findings of this study suggest that, in order to address the rising rate of obesity among women in Asian countries, education and lifestyle modifications in urban areas should be a priority. Pakistan and the Maldives need to be a priority given the rapidly increasing trends in obesity and underweight subpopulations in their respective countries.

Determinants of China’s technological trade flows with Central Asian countries (CACs): a panel gravity approach

The purpose of this study is to examine the determinants of Chinese technological trade flows with Central Asian countries (CAC) with a revealed comparative advantage and the gravity model using two estimation techniques. The present study employs the Ordinary Least Square (OLS) and the Poisson pseudo-maximum likelihood (PPML) on the data set from 2003 to 2018 panel dataset. Results from the Gravity model demonstrates that low-tech, medium-tech, and high-tech trade flows boost economic development in China and Central Asian nations, adversely affecting all technology trade flows in geographical distance. The research indicated that exchange rates showed a negative indication in bilateral trade, medium-tech trade, and high-tech trade. In contrast, the low technology trade showed a positive flow between China and Central Asia. Furthermore, the results reveal that openness to trade and membership of the WTO show a positive indication. The trade openness policy on both sides thus has a major beneficial effect on trade volumes. It proposed increased liberalization of trade policy and greater involvement in global commerce. In addition, Central Asia and export industries should take additional initiatives to enhance and diversify high-tech exports. A competitive international market provides perfect equality in reciprocal trade interactions.

Migrant women from Central Asian countries in the regional labor market: behavioral patterns

Migrant women from Central Asian countries in the regional labor market: behavioral patterns

Browsing and believing: divergent effects of internet use on government trust in Central Asia

ABSTRACT How does the use of the internet by citizens affect their trust in government and political participation? Previous research has yielded conflicting results. We hypothesize that in authoritarian contexts the passive use of the internet will be associated with lower trust in the government and lower political participation while the active use of the internet will be associated with higher trust in the government and higher political participation. Individuals, who receive the news through the internet, will tend to be sceptical about their governments because they will be exposed to alternative sources of information not controlled by the authoritarian government. The more extensively individuals use the internet for creating content, the more positively they will view the government owing to the effects of the self-selection process of acting under government censorship. Using 11 waves of survey data from four Central Asian countries we test our theoretical conjectures and find support for them.

Conflict potential of Central Asian immigration (using the example of the Yaroslavl region)

The article is devoted to the problem of conflict potential arising as a result of immigration to Russia of the indigenous population of the Central Asian states. Most researchers of labor migration from Central Asian countries to Russia have so far studied the problems of adaptation of migrants and their integration into Russian society. In addition, xenophobia towards migrants by the indigenous population of the Russian Federation is a common research topic, while the radicalization of migrants themselves in Russia and their participation in extremist movements remain poorly studied. The proposed study focuses on the conflict potential created by both temporary, labor, and permanent, long-term migration of the indigenous population of Central Asian countries to Russia. The relevance of the study is related to the sharp aggravation of the problem of Central Asian migration in Russia. Signs of this aggravation appeared even during the COVID-19 epidemic in the form of a sharp increase in the number of conflicts involving migrants, and became especially acute after the terrorist attack in Crocus City Hall. The practical significance of studying the conflict-causing potential of Central Asian immigration is due to the need to timely identify the social risks associated with it and develop measures to neutralize them.

Molecular identification of Baylisascaris melis (Gedoelst, 1920) from the Eurasian badger (Meles meles) and ascarids from other wild carnivores in Kazakhstan.

The presence of gastrointestinal nematodes, including zoonotic ascarids, in wild canids, felids and mustelids as definitive hosts in Central Asian countries has been documented in many studies based on traditional morphological methods. In contrast, relevant data for the badger are scarce. The aim of this study was the molecular identification of ascarid nematodes from five wild carnivore species in different regions of Kazakhstan. A total of 211 adult ascarids were collected from gray wolves (Canis lupus, 8 of 83 infected with 2-6 Toxascaris leonina), red foxes (Vulpes vulpes, 26 of 53, with 2-8 Toxascaris leonina), corsac foxes (Vulpes corsac, 6 of 11, 3-6 Toxascaris leonina), lynx (Lynx lynx, 2 of 3, with 2-5 Toxocara cati) and badgers (Meles meles, 2 of 4, with 2-7 Baylisascaris melis). Genomic DNA was extracted from the worms and ribosomal DNA, including the first and second internal transcribed spacer genes, was amplified by polymerase chain reaction using specific oligonucleotide primers and then sequenced. Toxascaris leonina, but not Toxocara canis, was molecularly identified in the wild canids, Toxocara cati in the lynx and Baylisascaris melis in the badger. The maximum likelihood phylogenetic tree showed three distinct clades: the canid Toxascaris leonina was placed in one clade, Toxocara cati in another and Baylisascaris melis in a third. The study provides the world's first molecular data and phylogenetic analysis of Baylisascaris melis, identified for the second time since its description over 100 years ago. This species was shown to be genetically distinct from other Baylisascaris spp. (B. columnaris, B. procyonis, B. transfuga, B. devosi). The possible zoonotic significance of ascarids from wild carnivores is discussed in the light of conditions in Central Asia.

Optimising HIV spending in 12 eastern European and central Asian countries: a modelling study

The eastern European and central Asian (EECA) region has the fastest growing HIV epidemic globally. We aimed to identify how HIV resources could be allocated for maximum health impact. Between Aug 1 and Dec 23, 2022, allocative efficiency analyses were undertaken for 12 countries in the EECA region (Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Serbia, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan) using HIV epidemic models developed with Optima HIV. Country models were calibrated to demographic, epidemiological, and programmatic data and validated by national teams. Three scenarios were projected from 2023 to 2030: status quo (continued 2021 spending on HIV programmes); optimised allocation of different spending envelopes to minimise HIV infections and deaths; and achieving 95-95-95 UNAIDS targets by 2030. Aggregated across the 12 models, HIV infections attributable to sexual transmission were estimated to surpass those attributable to transmission through injecting drugs in 2018, with male-to-male sexual transmission accounting for a continuously increasing share. In the status quo scenario, there were an estimated 111 520 (95% CI 28 960-208 270) new HIV infections and 34 530 (17 280-57 410) HIV-related deaths between 2023 and 2030. Aggregated optimisation results suggest that 35 860 (32%) of 111 520 new HIV infections and 9170 (27%) of 34 530 HIV-related deaths could be averted from 2023 to 2030 compared with the status quo, by prioritising antiretroviral therapy and targeted key population programmes. For ten countries, achieving 95% diagnosis was projected to not be possible with the current budget envelope, and for seven countries, this target could require more than three times the current spending. Compared with the status quo, achieving 95-95-95, or as close as possible, could avert 70 880 (64%) of 111 520 new HIV infections and 18 890 (55%) of 34 530 HIV-related deaths from 2023 to 2030. Targeted key population programmes should remain high priorities in the EECA region. Achieving 95-95-95 will require more emphasis on implementing appropriate modes of service delivery that reduce the gap in diagnosis and treatment coverage for people living with HIV. The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria. For the Russian translation of the summary see Supplementary Materials section.

Analyzing the Impact of Fiscal and Monetary Policies on Income Distribution in Central Asian Economies

Abstract This study examines the impacts of macroeconomic policies (i.e. fiscal policy through government consumption spending and total tax revenue, and monetary policy through broad money and real interest rate) along with other regressors such as inflation, Gross Domestic Product (GDP) per capita, remittances, exchange rate, and financial development on income distribution in four Central Asian countries from 1995 to 2020. After conducting unit root tests, the Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL)/Pooled Mean Group (PMG) approach was implemented for empirical analysis. The results show that both fiscal and monetary policies have positive and negative effects on income inequality. Moreover, inflation is found to increase income inequality, while financial development, higher levels of per capita income, and foreign remittances decrease inequality in the panel and individual country analyses. These findings suggest that coordinated policies, along with increased remittances and financial sector development, are needed to reduce income inequality.

카자흐스탄 남부지역 거점 도시의 문화 정체성: 쉼켄트, 투르키스탄의 문화적 특성과 발전 정책 분석을 중심으로

This study focuses on the Central Asian country of Kazakhstan, and the scope of the research space includes Shymkent and Turkistan, cities of the southern region. There are a number of reasons why this region was chosen as the scope of the study, including the lack of existing domestic research. Administrative changes in the southern region took place in 2018. In the case of Shymkent, the ethnic composition and forms of economic trade are unique in relation to Uzbekistan. In the case of Turkistan, the city has recently established itself as a new tourism-specialised city, based on its perception as a spiritual city. In this context, this researcher aims to analyze the current status and cultural characteristics of these cities based on his own experience of visiting them, and to derive their cultural identities. In addition, I will discuss the urban development policies and future prospects that the Kazakh government is pursuing in both cities.

Kırgızistan Orijinli Bazı Biber Genotiplerinin Anter Kültürü Etkinliklerinin Belirlenmesi

Among the Central Asian countries, Kyrgyzstan is one of the important countries in terms of the rich diversity of biological resources. Among this rich diversity, vegetable and fruit genetic resources have an important place. Pepper has an important place among economically important products in Kyrgyzstan, as in countries similar to Kyrgyzstan's ecology. It is important to include genetic resources such as pepper in breeding programs in Kyrgyzstan, as in our country. Knowing the double haploid efficiency of genetic resources is advantageous in breeding programs. In this study, it was aimed to determine the anther culture efficiency of pepper genotypes originating from Kyrgyzstan. In the study, the anther culture efficiency of a total of 27 pepper genotypes, 25 from Kyrgyzstan and 2 capia type genetic materials with known anther culture efficiency as controls, was determined. According to the findings, a total of 1336 buds were cultured and 365 embryos were obtained, while 264 of these embryos turned into healthy plants. The highest plant transformation was determined in genotype BY-25. While no plants were obtained in 7 pepper genotypes, healthy plants were obtained in only 20 genotypes. While the embryo rate per bud was 14%, the conversion rate to plant per bud was determined as 15.6. The results showed that there was variation in terms of anther culture efficiency in pepper genotypes originating from Kyrgyzstan, as in other genotypes.