Vlast provides brave and incisive reporting from Kazakhstan.
Latest posts by Vlast.kz
Nuclear referendum disheartens Kazakhstan’s opposition
A few days before the referendum, police detained about 40 activists across the country.
The Dungan gastronomical footprint in Central Asia
When Dungan food landed in Central Asia, it had to adapt to new palates and to a more restricted set of ingredients.
Inside the wardrobe: Women’s clothing increasingly policed in Tajikistan
Now, in Tajikistan women can be fined between USD 750–6,000 for wearing, selling or distributing foreign clothing which is perceived as being “inconsistent with national culture and traditions.”
Chinese electric car production kicks off in Uzbekistan
The Uzbek government says it will give incentives for both consumers and producers of electric and hybrid cars until 2030.
Top officials in Kazakhstan dodge independent journalists
Their attitude toward the media shows their attitude not only towards journalism, but also towards the citizens of the country.
The China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway: Between optimism and concern
The proposed route will further integrate Kyrgyzstan into Central Asian trade routes and potentially open new transport avenues to European and Gulf countries.
Central Asia press freedom scores get worse
The bleak situation for freedom of expression in Central Asia underscores the need for renewed international pressure to respect their international obligations.
Symbolic, but distant in the future: A dam on Kyrgyzstan’s Naryn river
With a projected capacity to generate 5.6 billion kWh, the Kambar-Ata-1 HPP could improve Kyrgyzstan’s energy security and allow for increased exports.
Under threat: The life of Karakalpak activists in Kazakhstan
The latest activist arrested in Kazakhstan at the request of Uzbekistan is human rights activist and informal leader of the Karakalpak diaspora Akylbek Muratov.
Kazakhstan’s oil fund is one of the most opaque in the world
It was supposed to become a full-fledged fund for future generations and serve as a macroeconomic stabilizer.
Kazakhstan’s national identity is deeply connected to its food culture
Kazakhstan's modern cuisine has been significantly influenced by the eating habits of the peoples who were deported or moved to Kazakhstan.
Kazakhstan’s ‘foreign agent’ list threatens NGOs
After the list was published in September, at least one NGO was singled out for extra financial scrutiny.
Why does Sinophobia remain strong in Kazakhstan?
The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) launched by Xi Jinping 10 years ago has intensified Sinophobia associated with the activities of Chinese companies.
Shifting tides: Do Kazakhs still like Russia?
Public opinion is split: for some, Russia is an unavoidable, yet dangerous partner, but a lesser evil compared to others.
In Kazakhstan, the truth about the 2022 deadly protests is still suppressed
For a year and a half, the authorities have not released a complete list of the victims, along with the circumstances of their death.
Ashes on their foreheads: Forest fires in Kazakhstan expose pervasive corruption and government’s fake promises
Over the past three years alone, four large forest fires have occurred in the north and east of Kazakhstan, causing the destruction of more than 100,000 hectares of forests.
Why are oil workers protesting in Kazakhstan?
The workers are depicted as privileged, earning exponentially more than average citizens. The reasons for their dissatisfaction, however, are structural.
Surviving economic hardships through Kazakhstan's ‘toi business’
The thriving toi business is a prism through which it is possible to read the complexities of the present, namely chronic unemployment, underdeveloped infrastructure, and strategies of survival under capitalism.
Against journalists, violence without borders in Kazakhstan
In 2022, dozens of journalists were detained or summoned by the police. And while most of these instances occurred during Qandy Qantar, in some cases they seem specifically targeted.
