Long Abstract:

In late 2016, when Shavkat Mirziyoyev came to power in Uzbekistan, he promised to introduce reforms in his isolated Central Asian country, which until then has seen only one leader during its 25 years of independence.

Two years on, since the change in leadership, there are hopeful signs that Uzbekistan could shed its reputation as one of the worst authoritarian countries in the world, but activists say it still needs to do more.

It’s time for a reality check on Uzbekistan’s reforms, as to what has changed that is encouraging, what remains the same, and what the chances are for further changes?

Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty's Muhammad Tahir will host a live recording of his acclaimed weekly Central Asia podcast, Majlis, to discuss these questions and more.

Hosted and produced by Muhammad Tahir, RFE/RL's Media Relations Manager, every week the podcast brings the most relevant experts to discuss the pressing issues of the day involving its target region.

As part of the Special Events Series of the 2018 conference of the Central Eurasian Studies Society, RFE/RL will record an episode on a current affairs topic with discussants and a live audience.

Conference registration is NOT required for this event.

Sponsored by:

Asian Studies Center, Center for Russian and East European Studies and Confucius Institute along with Graduate School of Public and International Affairs (GSPIA), The World History Center, the University of Pittsburgh Press, and the School of Education and Central Eurasian Studies Society