Prospects for Central Asia in 2017

Subject

Prospects for Central Asia in 2017.

Significance

Central Asia's commodity exporters are struggling in a low global price environment while Russia's recession is hurting regional states through depressed export potential and falling labour remittances. A new leader in Uzbekistan is showing signs of engaging with neighbouring states. The two least-repressive states, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan, are beginning to emulate authoritarian neighbours as leaders worry about opposition, protests and Islamic extremists.