Our People > Stephen M. Bland

Stephen M. Bland

Senior Editor and Head of Investigations

Stephen M. Bland is a journalist, author, editor, commentator and researcher specialising in Central Asia and the Caucasus. Prior to joining The Times of Central Asia, he has worked for NGOs, think tanks, as the Central Asia expert on a forthcoming documentary series, for the BBC, The Diplomat, EurasiaNet, and numerous other publications. Published in 2016, his book on Central Asia was the winner of the Golden Laureate of Eurasian Literature. He is currently putting the finishing touches to a book about the Caucasus. www.stephenmbland.com

Articles

Energy Azerbaijan Regional Cooperation Green Energy Trans-Caspian Corridor U.S. EU Green Transition

Central Asia’s Pivotal Role in the Global Energy Transition

The United States and Europe are driving a global shift from fossil fuels to renewable energy, though progress has been slow. Central Asia’s oil, gas, uranium, and green hydrogen resources are expected to remain vital for Europe and global energy security for years to come. Within Central Asia, a shift to cleaner natural gas and nuclear energy is anticipated to replace coal-fired power, reducing environmental harm. Europe’s push for electrification has also renewed focus on nuclear energy, increasing the strategic and commercial value of Central Asia’s uranium deposits. On December 16, 2024, The Times of Central Asia, in cooperation with the Central Asia-Caucasus Institute and the American Foreign Policy Council, hosted a Burgut Expert Talk titled, "Central Asia in the Energy Transition". The event featured presentations by Dr. Svante Cornell and Dr. Brenda Shaffer, who outlined their takes on the topic. The discussion focused on Central Asia’s significant role in the global energy landscape, particularly in light of the push for renewable energy and Europe's efforts to diversify its energy sources. Challenging the notion of a true "energy transition," Shaffer argued that despite substantial investment in renewable energy, fossil fuels remain dominant. Shaffer pointed out that traditional biomass burning continues to be a major energy source in developing countries, posing significant health risks. Highlighting the fact that renewables often rely on a baseload of fossil fuels, Shaffer noted that this makes complete reliance on renewables impractical, especially in regions with harsh winters, such as Central Asia. Dr. Shaffer further emphasized that European policies, including the reluctance to finance fossil fuel projects and the instability of U.S. LNG exports, serve to hinder diversification efforts. Stressing the need for affordable and accessible energy solutions - particularly for developing countries - to address the issue of indoor pollution caused by traditional biomass burning, she argued that natural gas can serve as a bridge fuel, offering a cleaner alternative to traditional methods. Dr. Cornell focused on the rising importance of Central Asia as a major uranium producer, supplying a crucial element for nuclear energy, which is gaining renewed interest as a low-carbon energy source. Cornell highlighted the dependence of the EU on uranium imports and the potential for Central Asia, particularly Kazakhstan, to play a pivotal role in supplying this demand. Outlining the geopolitical dynamics surrounding uranium, Cornell noted the involvement of France, Russia, and China in Central Asia's uranium sector, emphasizing the importance of Central Asian states maintaining a balance in their foreign relations and partnering with various countries to ensure their independence in the uranium market. Drawing parallels to the oil and gas diplomacy of the 1990s - when Central Asian countries strategically engaged with multiple actors to safeguard their interests - Cornell advocated for the development of a robust domestic nuclear industry in Central Asia, enabling the region to move beyond raw material production and gain greater control over the value chain. Cornell also stressed the need for Western powers to actively engage in the region's nuclear sector, supporting the development...

4 days ago

Courts Sadyr Japarov Matriamov Law and Order Corruption Azerbaijan

Capital Over Confinement in Sentencing of Raimbek “Millions” Matraimov

Raimbek Matraimov, infamously known as “Millions” for his tremendous wealth, once wielded immense power in Kyrgyzstan. Rising to prominence as deputy chairman of Kyrgyzstan’s Customs Service from 2015 to 2017, Matraimov’s tenure became synonymous with corruption and organized crime. His activities, alleged to have funneled monumental sums of money through shadowy operations, fashioned him not only as a dominant figure within the Customs Service but also as a key player in Kyrgyzstan’s criminal underworld. The Rise of Raimbek Matraimov During his time in the Customs Service, Matraimov amassed an extraordinary fortune. His influence extended beyond bureaucratic corridors, infiltrating the political landscape of Kyrgyzstan. Whispers of his role as an organized crime leader were persistent, yet his wealth and connections left him virtually untouchable in those years. Speculation about his political influence peaked after the dramatic rise of Sadyr Japarov to Kyrgyzstan’s presidency in October 2020. Japarov’s elevation, from prison to the highest office amidst a tide of civil unrest, prompted many to suspect that Matraimov’s financial backing played a decisive role in the ascent. However, despite Japarov-appointed head of Kyrgyzstan’s State National Security Committee (GKNB), Kamchybek Tashiyev once describing him as a “good guy,” if Matraimov hoped to shelter under Japarov's influence, his expectations were soon dashed. The Turning Point Japarov’s administration showed no hesitation in targeting Kyrgyzstan’s entrenched criminal networks. With Matraimov having bounced in and out of jail since October 2020, by October 2023, the GKNB had escalated their crackdown on organized crime, culminating in the death of Kamchybek Kolbaev, the country’s top crime kingpin - a member of the “Bratva” linked to heroin trafficking - during a security operation in Bishkek. Sensing the shifting winds, Matraimov fled Kyrgyzstan shortly after Kolbaev's death. However, his flight only seemed to intensify the resolve of the government in his homeland, where the authorities began seizing Matraimov's assets and investigating his allies. Among those implicated was Matraimov’s brother, Iskender, a parliamentary deputy with significant political connections. Extradition and Arrest In late March 2024, Kyrgyzstan’s crackdown on Matraimov escalated when the GKNB detained five Azerbaijani nationals in Bishkek. These individuals, suspected members of a transnational organized crime group, were allegedly dispatched by Matraimov from Azerbaijan to assassinate top Kyrgyz government officials. This accusation - one of countless similar claims regarding assassination attempts made by the Kyrgyz authorities this year alone - led to diplomatic action, and March 26, 2024, Matraimov along with three of his brothers were extradited from Baku to Kyrgyzstan. Upon his arrival, Matraimov was immediately taken into custody. The legal net tightened further as the case against him unfolded, with allegations of illegal border crossings, hooliganism involving weapons, money laundering, and broader accusations regarding his criminal empire. Asset Seizures and Financial Settlements Prior to his sentencing, Matraimov had reportedly returned $200 million to the state budget, equivalent to over 17 billion Kyrgyz som, to be released from custody to house arrest pending his trial. Authorities also confiscated significant assets, including a 14-story business center in...

2 weeks ago

Literature Eurasian Creative Guild Art and Culture

Eurasian Creative Week in Scotland Celebrates International Art, Literature, and Cultural Exchange

The XIII Eurasian Creative Week took place in Greenock, Scotland, from November 28 to 30, 2024, drawing artists, writers, poets, and diplomats from 15 countries, including Kazakhstan, Russia, and Canada. Hosted at the Beacon Arts Centre, the event kicked off with the presentation of artwork from the renowned collection The Great Steppe Treasure, featuring creators such as Maria Muchinskaya and Larisa Pak. Attendees also enjoyed video messages from notable writers and public figures, fostering a spirit of collaboration and dialogue. The evening spotlighted author Alexander Kazarnovsky, who captivated the audience with readings from his acclaimed novel, War will show the plan. Continuing on November 29 at the OYO Gin House Hotel, the festival’s literary program showcased key publications by Hertfordshire Press, including Viktor Slipenchuk’s Zinziver. A highlight was the screening of an AI-created film based on Slipenchuk’s poem Chingis-Khan, which sparked discussions on historical and modern leadership. Meanwhile, OCA Magazine unveiled its special issue celebrating Uzbekistan’s vibrant Jizzakh region and key cultural figures. The day culminated in an award ceremony recognizing influential contributors, with honors like the Jonathan Fryer Medal and the Barbara Yurkowska-Nawrocka Medal celebrating efforts in literature and creative exchange. Notable award winners included Timur Akhmedjanov for his charity comic book, Elish and the Wicker Tale, and Marina Alyassova for her psychological fairy tales, Wise Tales for Children and Adults. Other honorees, such as Tajikistan’s Gulsifat Shahidi and Kazakhstan’s Alikhan Zhaksylyk, were recognized for their contributions to romance stories and innovative novels. A gala reception featured traditional dishes and a keynote speech emphasizing the importance of fostering international ties. The festival concluded on November 30 with a visit to the Watt Institution Museum, offering participants a glimpse into Scottish cultural heritage. Throughout the week, exhibits of national art and literature from countries like Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan exemplified Eurasia’s cultural diversity and creative potential. The XIII Eurasian Creative Week reaffirmed its role in strengthening international cultural collaboration.

3 weeks ago

International Finance IFC Green Future Green Energy Sustainable Development

Fueling Growth: IFC Strategic Initiatives for Sustainable Development in Central Asia – An Interview With Hela Cheikhrouhou

With its headquarters in Washington, D.C. the International Finance Corporation (IFC) was established in 1956 as the private-sector arm of the World Bank. The institution offers advisory, and asset-management services to promote investment in developing countries. Recent ventures in Central Asia include solar power projects in Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan, and an entrepreneurship scheme for women and young people in Tajikistan. TCA spoke with Hela Cheikhrouhou, IFC Vice President for the Middle East, Central Asia, Türkiye, Afghanistan, and Pakistan about the IFC’s work in Central Asia. TCA: Can you please give us an overview of IFC's performance in Central Asia for fiscal year 2024 (July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024)? IFC had a pivotal year in Central Asia, making strides in sustainable development and inclusive growth across the region. Our efforts concentrated on climate finance, infrastructure, agriculture, and supporting smaller businesses. By coupling investments with advisory support, we helped expand the role of the private sector, creating jobs, promoting financial inclusion, strengthening infrastructure, and supporting the region's green transition. In the fiscal year 2024, IFC committed over $1 billion to Central Asia. This includes about $400 million in long-term financing from our own account, $600 million in mobilization, and $35 million in short-term trade and supply-chain finance to facilitate trade flows. Alongside these financial commitments, we engaged in advisory projects focused on improving financial inclusion, developing innovative public-private partnerships (PPPs), and advancing climate initiatives and gender equality. Our results this year underscore our commitment to fostering sustainable, inclusive growth, and enhancing the resilience and sustainability of Central Asian economies. TCA: Can you highlight some of the IFC’s key achievements in Central Asia this year? In addition to the strong financial commitments mentioned earlier, IFC expanded its presence in various sectors, including finance, capital markets, renewable energy, agriculture, and infrastructure. Through our advisory services, we helped structure impactful PPPs at the sectoral level. A major focus this year has been strengthening local financial markets. IFC invested $228 million across ten financial institutions in Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. Up to half this amount was dedicated to supporting women entrepreneurs and rural enterprises. We also helped these financial institutions expand portfolios related to their micro, small, and medium enterprise (MSME) businesses, advance climate finance, foster digital transformation, and issue the region’s first sustainability, social, and green bonds. Supporting MSMEs has enabled entrepreneurs to grow their businesses and generate employment. In the past fiscal year alone, IFC-supported projects created around 35,000 direct jobs, including opportunities for over 13,000 women across the region. These efforts have been further bolstered by targeted investments and projects in individual countries across the region. In Uzbekistan, IFC, together with the World Bank, financed a new solar plant equipped with the country’s first battery energy storage system. Once completed, the plant is expected to provide electricity access to around 75,000 households in the Bukhara region. As part of its broader support for the Uzbek government’s efforts to reform its chemical sector, IFC assisted the State Asset Management Agency in privatizing Ferganaazot,...

1 month ago

journalist Russia Mining Crime

Mystery and Intrigue Behind the Death of Inessa Papernaya

Further details have come to light which shroud the death of Inessa Papernaya in yet more mystery. As reported by TCA yesterday, Papernaya and her companion were found dead in a Tashkent hotel on October 20, along with an Uzbek man in a neighboring room whom media sources initially referred to simply as U.Kh. It has since come to light that this person was Khushnud Udekov, a well-known 48-year-old businessman from the Khorezm region whose private gas company was liquidated. Initially, reports stated that Papernaya was a Russian journalist known for her work with lenta.ru and profile.ru. It was also reported that Papernaya was in Uzbekistan on vacation, and was staying at the Karaman Palace Hotel with her fiancé, Maxim Radchenko, whom she had traveled with in order to meet his relatives. However, Papernaya’s last post for either of these publications came in 2019, since when she had become an employee of the Russian mining company, Norilsk Nickel. According to accounts surrounding the death of Papernaya and Radchenko, hotel staff knocked on the door of their room after the couple, who were supposed to have returned to Moscow, stopped answering the phone. Receiving no response, staff entered the room, where they discovered the bodies of the pair in the bathroom. “When she didn’t answer her phone at 11 PM, I felt something was wrong,” Papernaya’s mother told the media. “I knew something had happened.” The body of Udekov was subsequently found in the room directly below, with some local publications speculating that the businessman may have been the target of a contract killing. Preliminary reports attributed the cause of the deaths to poisoning of “unknown origin,” with early suggestions being made that gas seeped into the room through the ventilation system after the hotel’s pool was cleaned on October 19-20, leading to the incident. The hotel where the incident occurred was also still under construction, and the first floor was stuffed with building materials and furniture. Following the gruesome discovery, authorities sealed off the Karaman Palace Hotel. The Prosecutor General’s Office of Uzbekistan launched an investigation under Article 186 of the Uzbek Criminal Code, which covers the provision of unsafe services, and a forensic examination was ordered to determine the precise causes of death. According to Hayat Shamsutdinov, the press secretary of Uzbekistan's Prosecutor General 's Office, the exact cause of death will be determined after a thorough examination, the results of which are expected in about a month. Forensic expert Alexey Reshetun, however, has stated that it is “extremely difficult to imagine that two adults would die in a single room as a result of gas entering through the ventilation.” Relatives of Radchenko, meanwhile, have disputed what they describe as several different versions of the deaths which have been put forward. Radchenko’s sister stated that the family were initially told “he had an epileptic seizure; she ran up to him, slipped, fell, hit her head and died. This is some kind of TV series: how do you fall? What...

2 months ago