As Managing Editor of The Times of Central Asia, I’m delighted that, in partnership with the Oxus Society for Central Asian Affairs, from October 19, we are the home of the Spotlight on Central Asia podcast. Chaired by seasoned broadcasters Bruce Pannier of RFE/RL’s long-running Majlis podcast and Michael Hillard of The Red Line, each fortnightly instalment will take you on a deep dive into the latest news, developments, security issues, and social trends across an increasingly pivotal region.
In the new episode, available now, the team breaks down a flurry of developments reshaping Central Asia’s security landscape, from the debut of the new C6 format and the surprise expansion of the once-exclusive C5 grouping, to Vladimir Putin’s key trip to Bishkek for the CSTO summit. We examine the alarming collapse in Tashkent’s air quality, Astana’s decision to withdraw from a decades-long arms agreement, and the escalating pattern of cross-border drone strikes between Tajik and Afghan actors along one of the region’s most volatile frontiers. The team is also joined by special guests Edward Lemon and Bradley Jardine to discuss Chinese influence in Central Asia and their new book, From Belt and Road to Backlash.
