Public Scholarship

All co-authors listed were undergraduate students at the time of writing.

Central Asia's Diplomatic Balancing Act on Display from Bishkek to New York (2026)

with Zhuldyz Gabdsattarova and Arailym Munaitpas

This article compares Central Asian diplomacy at the SCO's 25th-anniversary summit in Bishkek and the general debate of the 81st UN General Assembly in New York. It argues that the region's multivector strategy has changed form rather than disappeared: Central Asian governments echo Beijing's and Moscow's grievances in regional group settings, court Washington with concrete bilateral deals, and use the UNGA podium to avoid offending any of the three. The piece also highlights the region's growing profile within the UN system, from Kyrgyzstan's Security Council seat to new candidacies from Tajikistan and Uzbekistan.

What Kazakhstan’s New Unicameral Parliament Means for Its Foreign Policy (2026)

with Aruzhan Kaimoldina

Kazakhstan replaced its bicameral parliament with the unicameral Kurultai in 2026, eliminating a Senate that had given treaties and defense agreements a second round of technical and diplomatic review and that had concentrated foreign policy expertise through presidential appointment of former ambassadors and ministers. The Senate was never a veto player, having rarely rejected legislation outright, but its removal means international agreements now pass through a single chamber whose 145 deputies are all elected through party lists, with the presidency further consolidated. The article argues for three safeguards to offset the loss: minimum review windows for international agreements, a genuinely empowered Committee on International Relations, and a People's Council that remains strictly advisory.

Bridging Geopolitical Divides: Tokayev’s Message at the Antalya Diplomacy Forum (2026)

with Akbota Tukenova

The article argues that Kazakhstan is positioning itself as a stabilizing “middle power” capable of bridging geopolitical divides through balanced diplomacy and multilateral engagement. Tokayev criticized the declining effectiveness of the U.N. system, especially the Security Council, while advocating for reform, preventive diplomacy, and greater international cooperation.

Kazakhstan and the Board of Peace: Humanitarian Aid and Middle Power Ambitions (2026)

with Assel Rakhmetullina

This article examines Kazakhstan’s participation in the U.S.-led “Board of Peace” and its broader implications for foreign policy strategy. It highlights how humanitarian assistance serves as a key instrument of international engagement. The analysis shows how these efforts contribute to Kazakhstan’s emergence as a middle power while maintaining strategic relationships with major powers.

At UNGA, Central Asia’s Discourse on Russia-Ukraine Conflict Shifts (2025)

with Daniya Turlina

This article analyzes how Central Asian leaders’ rhetoric at the UN General Assembly has evolved in response to shifting geopolitical dynamics. It shows that states continue to balance relations among major powers. The findings highlight a nuanced diplomatic approach shaped by both external pressures and multi-vector foreign policy.

The Future of the C5+1 Under Trump 2.0 (2025)

with Teimur Azatov and Alexandra Beloussova

This piece evaluates the future of the C5+1 framework amid renewed uncertainty in U.S. foreign policy. It explores how tariffs, sanctions, and shifting priorities affect regional cooperation. The article argues that Central Asian states are diversifying partnerships while preserving strategic autonomy.

Trump and Putin: A Massive Change of Heart and What It Means for Central Asia (2025)

with Alida Begezhanova

This article examines the implications of a shift in U.S. foreign policy toward Russia following Trump’s return to office. It highlights how changing great power alignments create uncertainty for smaller states. The analysis shows how Central Asia must recalibrate its foreign policy in response to an evolving geopolitical landscape.

After UNGA: How Did Central Asia Address the Russia-Ukraine Conflict? (2024)

with Alida Begezhanova

This article analyzes how Central Asian leaders addressed the Russia-Ukraine conflict in their UNGA speeches. It finds increasing cautious neutrality and avoidance of direct criticism of Russia. The piece also shows how states are quietly diversifying partnerships while maintaining multi-vector foreign policies.

Will Central Asia Speak Up? A Look at the Upcoming UNGA Session (2024)

with Alida Begezhanova

This article explores how Central Asian states use the UN General Assembly to signal foreign policy priorities. It highlights increasing regional coordination and gradual shifts away from reliance on Russia. The analysis also emphasizes growing engagement with alternative partners.