Stories about Central Asia & Caucasus from September, 2024
Seeking independence from Chinese exports, Brazil enters bid to explore rare earths
Rare earths are essential for the green energy transition, however, they are also difficult to mine and harmful to the environment, leading to the “rare earth paradox.”
What is behind the Kremlin’s increasingly anti-immigration line?
Anti-immigration rhetoric is meant to introduce into the official nationalism the idea that “Russian civilization” must be protected not only from the West but also from the south.
Fueling China's EV expansion: The green revolution and its environmental demands in Central Asia
China is looking to increase its electric vehicle exports in Central Asia, however, the region's coal-based energy grid and increasing EV-related mining projects could stunt the benefits of this green vehicle transition.
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.
Armenia's path out of Russia's orbit
A series of decisions taken by the government of Armenia in recent years signals the country moving further out of Russia's orbit of influence.
Georgian lawmakers inch closer to final approval of anti-LGBTQ+ law
Critics have pointed out that laws like the one adopted by Russia in 2013 to “protect children from information advocating a denial of traditional family values” have also increased hate crimes.
Georgian Dream Party vows to ban opposition if they win parliamentary majority
Speaking at the opening of the new head quarters of the ruling party, it's founder, Bidzina Ivanishvili threatened legal sanctions against opposition figures following the vote.
Mongolia’s new minister is determined to reform its education sector
Since becoming a minister in July, he has already introduced dozens of changes covering everything from pre-school to higher education.
The election dance in Azerbaijan: Carousel voting and ballot stuffing
Independent election observers and journalists documented voter violations throughout the day, proving that Azerbaijan's most recent elections were staged just like elections in the past.
Despite promises, Azerbaijani people continue to face water shortages
Meanwhile, as experts voice concerns over the state’s failure to address the country’s water shortage problem, it is the local population and village residents who are paying a heavy price.