Episode #11: A Historical Border Conflict and the Current Escalation: A take on Kyrgyzstan’s Japarov and Tajikistan’s Rahmon

RAIA(ffairs) by RAIA

Episode notes
Both Kyrgyzstan's President Japarov and Tajikistan’s President Rahmon had agreed to a border ceasefire during the Shanghai Cooperation Organization meeting. After what seemed to be a de-escalation, the hostilities continued on the 17th of September. Tune into this episode with RAIA writer Roxane De Bergevin, to discuss the tensions along the border between Central Asian countries, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan. We explore each leader’s pressure points and domestic interests, as well as a historical overview of their Soviet past to explain the tensions between them. Lastly, we discuss the rise of China in supporting Kyrgyzstan’s Japarov and the lack of the country’s dependence on Russia. Check out the article written by Roxane:  ...  Read more