This week, we're tracking a string of developments that could reshape the region's security and political landscape, from a soldier's death in Kazakhstan triggering major shake-ups at the top of the military chain of command, to Russian TV hosts openly talking about invading Central Asia, and Tokayev changing the rules in ways that could make a future Russian intervention easier to justify. We'll also cover an Uzbek citizen being charged in Russia over their alleged role in an attack on a senior Russian military official, and more fighting along the Afghanistan–Tajikistan border. But the main story this week is our interview with the EU's Special Representative for Central Asia, who joins us to explain how Brussels is viewing the region right now and which projects the EU is putting real weight behind across the five republics. And to round things out, we'll finish on Kazakhstan's latest reforms and what they might mean for how the country is positioning itself going forward.

On the show this week:

• Eduards Stiprais (EU Special Representative for Central Asia)

Hosted by Bruce Pannier and Michael Hilliard

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