Best Caspian Sea Podcasts (2025)

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Central Asia's New Position In Global Politics 1:00:07

Play Pause

5M ago1:00:07

1:00:07

A lot has changed in Central Asia in the more than three years since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The region’s giant neighbors -- Russia and China -- have played and will no doubt continue to play large roles in Central Asia. However, the Central Asian states have strengthened relations, economic partnerships, and export rout…

1
Central Asia's New Position In Global Politics 1:00:07

5M ago1:00:07

1:00:07

A lot has changed in Central Asia in the more than three years since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The region’s giant neighbors -- Russia and China -- have played and will no doubt continue to play large roles in Central Asia. However, the Central Asian states have strengthened relations, economic partnerships, and export rout…

1
EU Strengthens Ties With Central Asia 45:02

6M ago45:02

45:02

Top EU officials visited Central Asia for the first-ever EU-Central Asian summit in Samarkand, Uzbekistan. Joining host Bruce Pannier are Terhi Hakala, a diplomat from Finland and Samuel Doveri Vesterbye, director of the European Neighborhood Council.By RFE/RL

1
EU Strengthens Ties With Central Asia 45:02

6M ago45:02

45:02

Top EU officials visited Central Asia for the first-ever EU-Central Asian summit in Samarkand, Uzbekistan. Joining host Bruce Pannier are Terhi Hakala, a diplomat from Finland and Samuel Doveri Vesterbye, director of the European Neighborhood Council.By RFE/RL

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Saving The Caspian Sea 41:06

7M ago41:06

41:06

The Caspian Sea is home to many unique marine species and other wildlife. The Caspian Sea Basin is also rich in oil and natural gas. The development of these lucrative hydrocarbon resources is having an adverse effect on the indigenous plant life, and some species are at risk of extinction. At the same time, water levels in the Caspian Sea are drop…

1
Saving The Caspian Sea 41:06

7M ago41:06

41:06

The Caspian Sea is home to many unique marine species and other wildlife. The Caspian Sea Basin is also rich in oil and natural gas. The development of these lucrative hydrocarbon resources is having an adverse effect on the indigenous plant life, and some species are at risk of extinction. At the same time, water levels in the Caspian Sea are drop…

1
Tajikistan's Descent Into Despotism 50:49

8M ago50:49

50:49

Tajikistan has been acknowledged by Freedom House as one of the worst human rights violators for years, but 2025 has seen Tajik authorities take repression to new levels. Eight former government officials and political opposition figures were convicted at a closed-door trial of plotting a coup and given lengthy prison sentences. In addition, a jour…

1
Tajikistan's Descent Into Despotism 50:49

8M ago50:49

50:49

Tajikistan has been acknowledged by Freedom House as one of the worst human rights violators for years, but 2025 has seen Tajik authorities take repression to new levels. Eight former government officials and political opposition figures were convicted at a closed-door trial of plotting a coup and given lengthy prison sentences. In addition, a jour…

1
Wider Europe Briefing: How Will The EU Respond To Trump's Defense Demands? 5:59

9M ago5:59

5:59

I'm RFE/RL Europe Editor Rikard Jozwiak, and this week I'm drilling down on two issues: boosting European defense spending, and how the bloc is dealing with (or not dealing with) Georgia's controversial new president.By Rikard Jozwiak

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Human Rights Watch Calls Out 'Worsening' Situation In Central Asia 44:30

9M ago44:30

44:30

Human Rights Watch (HRW) just released its annual report about the human rights situation around the world https://www.hrw.org/world-report/2025. The report points to a deterioration in rights in Central Asia in such areas as civil society, freedom of media, the judicial process, the rights of minority groups and vulnerable segments of the populati…

1
Human Rights Watch Calls Out 'Worsening' Situation In Central Asia 44:30

9M ago44:30

44:30

Human Rights Watch (HRW) just released its annual report about the human rights situation around the world https://www.hrw.org/world-report/2025. The report points to a deterioration in rights in Central Asia in such areas as civil society, freedom of media, the judicial process, the rights of minority groups and vulnerable segments of the populati…

1
Wider Europe Briefing: Could Moldova Get Transdniester Back? 8:37

9M ago8:37

8:37

I'm RFE/RL Europe Editor Rikard Jozwiak, and this week I'm assessing the chances that Transdniester could abandon Russia and rejoin Moldova.By Rikard Jozwiak

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Wider Europe Briefing: The EU Could Be Facing A Difficult 2025 12:02

10M ago12:02

12:02

I'm RFE/RL Europe Editor Rikard Jozwiak, and this week I'm looking ahead at what we can expect from the EU in 2025.By Rikard Jozwiak

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Putin’s 25 Years In Power 32:16

10M ago32:16

32:16

On December 31, 1999, Boris Yeltsin stepped down and handed Russia’s reins to Vladimir Putin, the former KGB officer he had named prime minister months earlier -- and who remains in power to this day. Analyst and author Mark Galeotti joins the host to discuss Putin’s 25-year rule.By Steve Gutterman

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What Will Trump's Policy Be Toward Central Asia? 43:23

10M ago43:23

43:23

We know what U.S. policy for Central Asia was when Donald Trump was president the first time. But the region has changed significantly in the four years since. U.S. forces are no longer in Afghanistan, the relationships between Central Asia’s governments and Russia have shifted since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, trade routes have expand…

1
What Will Trump's Policy Be Toward Central Asia? 43:23

10M ago43:23

43:23

We know what U.S. policy for Central Asia was when Donald Trump was president the first time. But the region has changed significantly in the four years since. U.S. forces are no longer in Afghanistan, the relationships between Central Asia’s governments and Russia have shifted since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, trade routes have expand…

1
The War In Ukraine In 2025 24:39

11M ago24:39

24:39

Sam Greene, professor at the King’s Russia Institute at King’s College London and director of democratic resilience at the Center for European Policy Analysis, joins host Steve Gutterman to discuss Russia’s war against Ukraine, including the prospects for a cease-fire in 2025 and the role that public opinion in Russia, Ukraine, and the West could p…

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'The Idea Seemed Insane': Behind Putin's Invasion Of Ukraine 36:43

11M ago36:43

36:43

Lucian Kim, author of the new book Putin's Revenge: Why Russia Invaded Ukraine, joins the host to discuss Putin's growing resentment, Russia's imperialist legacy, the Kremlin's turn toward autocracy, and other factors behind the full-scale invasion of Ukraine.By Steve Gutterman

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Violence Against Women Increasing in Central Asia 55:54

11M ago55:54

55:54

This year’s edition of the international 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence campaign got under way on November 25. While Central Asian authorities acknowledge that gender-based violence (GBV) has been a problem for years, a trio of studies on gender-related killings about to be published by UN Women Europe and Central Asia is expecte…

1
Violence Against Women Increasing in Central Asia 55:54

11M ago55:54

55:54

This year’s edition of the international 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence campaign got under way on November 25. While Central Asian authorities acknowledge that gender-based violence (GBV) has been a problem for years, a trio of studies on gender-related killings about to be published by UN Women Europe and Central Asia is expecte…

1
Escalation And Endgame 18:08

11M ago18:08

18:08

U.S. permission for Ukrainian strikes deeper in Russian territory. A new Russian nuclear doctrine and a ballistic missile attack. Olga Oliker of the Crisis Group joins the host to discuss what the rush of recent developments could mean for the war in Ukraine.By Steve Gutterman

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What Do Central Asians Think About China? 52:51

11M ago52:51

52:51

China’s presence in Central Asia has been growing for 30 years. China is now a leading trade and security partner, foreign investor, and source of everyday goods available in markets and bazaars across Central Asia. The Central Asia Barometer recently released the results of a survey conducted over the course of several years that analyzes the opin…

1
What Do Central Asians Think About China? 52:51

11M ago52:51

52:51

China’s presence in Central Asia has been growing for 30 years. China is now a leading trade and security partner, foreign investor, and source of everyday goods available in markets and bazaars across Central Asia. The Central Asia Barometer recently released the results of a survey conducted over the course of several years that analyzes the opin…

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Elections, War, And Sabotage 26:38

12M ago26:38

26:38

What does Donald Trump's election mean for the war in Ukraine? Author and analyst Mark Galeotti joins host Steve Gutterman to discuss the ramifications of the U.S. vote and examine Russia's sabotage campaign in Europe.By Steve Gutterman

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No Safe Haven In Europe For Central Asian Opposition 51:47

12M ago51:47

51:47

Tajik opposition activist Dilmurod Ergashev arrived in Tajikistan on November 7, after he was deported from Germany, where he had been seeking asylum since 2011. Ergashev was immediately arrested on his return by Tajik authorities; he hasn't been heard from since. Ergashev is one of several Central Asian opposition activists sent back to their home…

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No Safe Haven In Europe For Central Asian Opposition 51:47

12M ago51:47

51:47

Tajik opposition activist Dilmurod Ergashev arrived in Tajikistan on November 7, after he was deported from Germany, where he had been seeking asylum since 2011. Ergashev was immediately arrested on his return by Tajik authorities; he hasn't been heard from since. Ergashev is one of several Central Asian opposition activists sent back to their home…

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Diving Deep Into Tajikistan's Armed Forces 43:43

1y ago43:43

43:43

The Oxus Society for Central Asian Affairs just released a detailed report on military and security forces in Tajikistan. The comprehensive work examines the 30-year history of the Tajik defense forces, their mission and composition, how they are deployed, and the role of foreign countries in training and equipping Tajik forces. Joining host Bruce …

1
Diving Deep Into Tajikistan's Armed Forces 43:43

1y ago43:43

43:43

The Oxus Society for Central Asian Affairs just released a detailed report on military and security forces in Tajikistan. The comprehensive work examines the 30-year history of the Tajik defense forces, their mission and composition, how they are deployed, and the role of foreign countries in training and equipping Tajik forces. Joining host Bruce …

1
'Distraction Dividend': Moscow's Aims And Actions In The Middle East 37:11

1y ago37:11

37:11

As it focuses on its war against Ukraine, Russia is also seeking to leverage violence in the Middle East to improve its global standing and condemn the West. The Kremlin is reaping rewards, but it also faces risks posed by its footprint in the volatile region. Hanna Notte, director for Eurasia at the James Martin Center for Nonproliferation Studies…

1
Perception And Reality In The War Against Ukraine 24:45

1y ago24:45

24:45

As Moscow's forces press forward and Ukraine holds onto part of Russia's Kursk region, there are new "mutterings" in the West about the prospects for an end to the fighting. Ruth Deyermond, senior lecturer in the Department of War Studies at King's College London, joins host Steve Gutterman to discuss the situation on the battlefield and the latest…

1
Central Asia Pushes Back On Russian Critiques 45:38

1y ago45:38

45:38

Russian officials and celebrities have become increasingly critical of the countries and peoples of Central Asia since the Kremlin launched its full-scale war on Ukraine in February 2022 -- and patience is wearing thin in the region. CentralAsians are pushing back against Russian lecturing, racist comments, and mistreatment of migrant laborers. Joi…

1
Central Asia Pushes Back On Russian Critiques 45:38

1y ago45:38

45:38

Russian officials and celebrities have become increasingly critical of the countries and peoples of Central Asia since the Kremlin launched its full-scale war on Ukraine in February 2022 -- and patience is wearing thin in the region. CentralAsians are pushing back against Russian lecturing, racist comments, and mistreatment of migrant laborers. Joi…

1
Zelenskiy's Trip, Putin's Threat 29:16

1y ago29:16

29:16

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy took his "victory plan" to Biden, Harris, and Trump in a U.S. visit that also included UN speeches. In Moscow, Russian President Vladimir Putin issued yet another nuclear threat. Analyst and author Mark Galeotti joins host Steve Gutterman to discuss what it all means for the war in Ukraine.…

1
Kazakhstan’s Controversial Nuclear Power Vote 52:31

1y ago52:31

52:31

Kazakhs will vote on October 6 in a national referendum to authorize construction of a nuclear power plant. In recent winters, Kazakhstan has experienced severe power shortages, and Kazakh officials assert that nuclear power could help fill the gap. People remember, however, that 456 nuclear weapons were detonated in northeastern Kazakhstan between…

1
Kazakhstan’s Controversial Nuclear Power Vote 52:31

1y ago52:31

52:31

Kazakhs will vote on October 6 in a national referendum to authorize construction of a nuclear power plant. In recent winters, Kazakhstan has experienced severe power shortages, and Kazakh officials assert that nuclear power could help fill the gap. People remember, however, that 456 nuclear weapons were detonated in northeastern Kazakhstan between…

1
Russia’s Power Play In Central Asia 47:53

1y ago47:53

47:53

Russia’s longtime influence in Central Asia seemed to fade after the launch of its full-scale war on Ukraine in February 2022, as other countries pursued stronger relations with Central Asian states and active roles in lucrative projects. The Kremlin noticed and has countered with its own initiatives, of which the most binding may be a series of re…

1
Russia’s Power Play In Central Asia 47:53

1y ago47:53

47:53

Russia’s longtime influence in Central Asia seemed to fade after the launch of its full-scale war on Ukraine in February 2022, as other countries pursued stronger relations with Central Asian states and active roles in lucrative projects. The Kremlin noticed and has countered with its own initiatives, of which the most binding may be a series of re…

1
The Racialization Of Central Asians In Russia 56:18

1y ago56:18

56:18

Racialization is the process of viewing a specific people with preconceived notions about them. In Russia, non-Russians -- particularly people from Asia or the South Caucasus -- have long been targets of racialization. The problem is especially acute in today’s Russia, where many Russians openly express negative or derogatory views of these peoples…

1
The Racialization Of Central Asians In Russia 56:18

1y ago56:18

56:18

Racialization is the process of viewing a specific people with preconceived notions about them. In Russia, non-Russians -- particularly people from Asia or the South Caucasus -- have long been targets of racialization. The problem is especially acute in today’s Russia, where many Russians openly express negative or derogatory views of these peoples…

1
Decolonizing Central Asia 50:12

1y ago50:12

50:12

Russia’s historical legacy in Central Asia has come under increased scrutiny in the region since Russia launched its full-scale war in Ukraine. Many Russians, including officials, claim -- in some cases insist -- that Russia’s colonization of Central Asia was beneficial to the region. A growing number of people in Central Asia are coming to a diffe…

1
Decolonizing Central Asia 50:12

1y ago50:12

50:12

Russia’s historical legacy in Central Asia has come under increased scrutiny in the region since Russia launched its full-scale war in Ukraine. Many Russians, including officials, claim -- in some cases insist -- that Russia’s colonization of Central Asia was beneficial to the region. A growing number of people in Central Asia are coming to a diffe…

1
August Surprise: Ukraine's Incursion Into Russia's Kursk Region 27:29

1y ago27:29

27:29

How big a deal is Kyiv's incursion into the Kursk region? What are Ukraine's goals? And what are the ramifications for Russia? This week, host Steve Gutterman discusses these issues with Oleg Ignatov, a senior analyst for Russia at the International Crisis Group.By Steve Gutterman

1
Legislating Fashion In Central Asia 37:18

1y ago37:18

37:18

In late June, Tajikistan passed a law on "alien clothing" that bans certain types of Islamic attire, particularly from Arab countries, and some types of Western clothing. Wardrobe violators run the risk of stiff financial penalties. Similar fashion mandates exist throughout Central Asia, focused more on women than men. Joining host Bruce Pannier to…

1
Legislating Fashion In Central Asia 37:18

1y ago37:18

37:18

In late June, Tajikistan passed a law on "alien clothing" that bans certain types of Islamic attire, particularly from Arab countries, and some types of Western clothing. Wardrobe violators run the risk of stiff financial penalties. Similar fashion mandates exist throughout Central Asia, focused more on women than men. Joining host Bruce Pannier to…

1
On The Battlefield In Ukraine 21:48

1y ago21:48

21:48

Russian forces press forward in eastern Ukraine but also suffer setbacks. Dara Massicot, a senior fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace and an expert on Russian military issues, joins host Steve Gutterman to discuss the battlefield situation, manpower problems, and the talk about efforts to end the fighting.…

1
What Biden's Withdrawal And Trump's VP Pick Mean For The War In Ukraine 23:13

1+ y ago23:13

23:13

President Joe Biden has withdrawn from the U.S. presidential race and Donald Trump has picked J.D. Vance as his running mate. Sam Greene, director of Democratic Resilience at CEPA and a professor at the King's Russia Institute, discusses what these developments could mean for Ukraine and its defense against the Russian invasion.…

1
Three Years With The Taliban As Neighbors 48:21

1+ y ago48:21

48:21

Nearly three years have passed since the Taliban returned to power in Afghanistan, to the dismay of much of the world. While the Central Asian states were among the countries that didn’t welcome the return of the Taliban, most of them took a different approach to the Afghan militant group than they did when the Taliban first ruled Afghanistan in th…

1
Three Years With The Taliban As Neighbors 48:21

1+ y ago48:21

48:21

Nearly three years have passed since the Taliban returned to power in Afghanistan, to the dismay of much of the world. While the Central Asian states were among the countries that didn’t welcome the return of the Taliban, most of them took a different approach to the Afghan militant group than they did when the Taliban first ruled Afghanistan in th…

1
The Deadly Legacy Of MH17 33:58

1+ y ago33:58

33:58

July 17 marks 10 years since a Russian missile shot down Malaysia Airlines Flight 17 over the war zone in eastern Ukraine, killing all 298 passengers and crew. Christopher Miller, Ukraine correspondent for the Financial Times and author of The War Came To Us: Life And Death In Ukraine, joins host Steve Gutterman to discuss.…

1
War, Elections, And Summitry 21:02

1+ y ago21:02

21:02

NATO leaders meet after a Russian strike on a children's hospital underscores the horrors of Russia's war on Ukraine. And the U.S. election looms after votes in Britain and France. Nigel Gould-Davies, the senior fellow for Russia and Eurasia at the International Institute for Strategic Studies, joins host Steve Gutterman to discuss.…