Is Russia losing influence in Central Asia?

For decades, especially under the Soviet Union, Central Asia has been considered well within Russia's sphere of influence. The Russian language has been a crucial link between Kazaks, Uzbeks, Tajiks, Kyrgyz and Turkmen, and today it still bonds them. But other powers, not least China, are playing an ever greater role in Central Asia, leading some to question if Russia is losing influence.

Today's newsmaker is Russia in Central Asia.

Guests:

Ben Aris
Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Business New Europe

Anna Matveeva
Visiting Senior Research Fellow at King’s College London

Bruce Pannier
Correspondent at Radio Free Europe

#russia #centralasia #theNewsmakers