Stephen M. Bland (@stephenmbland) 's Twitter Profile
Stephen M. Bland

@stephenmbland

Senior Editor & Head of Investigations @thetimesoca; author, journalist, expert specializing in Central Asia & Caucasus. @EurasiaNet @Diplomat_APAC @BBCWorld

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linkhttp://www.stephenmbland.com calendar_today09-04-2014 10:37:25

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Check out the Times of Central Asia’s special coverage of the 2025 Astana International Forum (AIF) on May 29-30 in Kazakhstan’s capital, a leading platform connecting business, political, academic, and other leaders to shape a more sustainable future.

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Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan take a major step toward resolving lingering border tensions with plans for a joint trade and logistics hub - signaling a new chapter in cross-border cooperation. Read our latest from Bruce Pannier.

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Kazakhstan positions itself as a leader among small and middle powers, calling for UN reform, inclusive diplomacy, and stronger global cooperation at a time of growing geopolitical fragmentation.

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Tokayev’s solemn remembrance at ALZhIR contrasts sharply with Putin’s glorification of Stalin’s legacy. While Kazakhstan confronts its painful past with reforms and transparency, Russia rewrites history to bolster autocratic control and justify its aggressive stance.

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Kazakhstan’s wildlife is booming! The saiga population has skyrocketed to nearly 4 million, but farmers struggle as these antelope compete for pastureland. Meanwhile, climate change has caused locusts, beetles, and even venomous spiders to thrive, threatening crops and homes.

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Northern and eastern Kazakhstan face shrinking populations as youth migrate south, industries stagnate, and birth rates fall - raising urgent questions about regional development and demographic balance. A piece by Stephen M. Bland.

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"The Syr Darya's flow highlights urgent water management challenges and the need for regional cooperation to balance development and sustainability in Central Asia." Read our latest from @Joelucbarnes.

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Tears, drums, and history: Uzbekistan qualifies for the FIFA World Cup for the first time, sparking jubilation across the nation. ⚽🌍 A piece by @Joelucbarnes.

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Kazakhstan’s decision on its first nuclear power plant pits economic pragmatism against technical expertise, with bidders from China, Russia, South Korea, and France vying for a project where financing could be the ultimate decider.

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My latest for The Times of Central Asia w/ Ola's Kool Kitchen 📻🎧🎸 The 'Gate to Hell' in Turkmenistan dims after 50+ years! 🔥 The Darvaza Gas Crater, burning since 1971, has been largely contained. Methane capture efforts reduced emissions 3-fold. A move bridging heritage, environment, & resource

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A 23-meter Lenin statue falls in Osh sparking fierce debate. Is Central Asia erasing Soviet history or reclaiming its identity? #DeSovietization #Lenin

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A major joint military exercise set for September will strengthen defense cooperation, enhance regional security, and deepen strategic alignment among key Eurasian and South Asian partners. Read our latest from Stephen M. Bland.

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Kyrgyzstan returns to single-mandate elections, sidelining political parties and raising concerns over fairness, representation, and vote-buying ahead of 2026. Will independents dominate again? Read our latest from Bruce Pannier.

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The Israel-Iran conflict is reshaping regional trade, security, and diplomacy. With escalating tensions and shifting alliances, nearby nations face rising risks and tough strategic choices. Read our latest from Stephen M. Bland.

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Kazakhstan picks Rosatom to build its first nuclear power plant - marking a major shift from coal to nuclear as the country tackles looming energy deficits and eyes long-term energy security. Read our latest from Stephen M. Bland.

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As Israel-Iran tensions explode, Central Asia unites in a dramatic race to evacuate citizens from danger zones. Flights rerouted, borders opened, and diplomacy in overdrive. Read our latest from Stephen M. Bland and Sadoqat Jalolova.

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Through a calculated nuclear energy strategy, Kazakhstan is balancing global powers—awarding projects to Russia and China while considering Western bids for a third plant in an increasingly multipolar world.

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China’s $17 billion in agreements at the Second China-Central Asia Summit reaffirm its recognition of the region's strategic value for connectivity, technology, manufacturing and energy.