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Yan Matusevich

@ymatusik.bsky.social
2K followers 765 following 1.8K posts

Journalist writing about politics, culture, migration and society in Central Asia and Eurasia more broadly | PhD candidate in Anthropology at CUNY GC | en-ru-fr-de | кыргызча сүйлөйм Words in @economist.com, @foreignpolicy.com, @eurasianet.bsky.social

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Reposted by Yan Matusevich
The Diplomat @thediplomat.com · 01/10/2026
In lieu of decisive regulatory action and funding, much of the work of adapting to new climate realities in Central Asia falls on individual gardeners and cooperatives. buff.ly/4GQ83B7
buff.ly
Can a Network of Miniature Sponge Cities Help Central Asia Curb Climate Change?
In lieu of decisive regulatory action and funding, much of the work of adapting to new climate realities falls on individual gardeners and cooperatives.
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Reposted by Yan Matusevich
Shirin Aitmatova @shirinaitmatova.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
Why is the LDS network so interested in helping whitewash authoritarian regimes—and what’s in it for them? I’m fascinated by the American kok-boru team, reportedly composed almost entirely of LDS members. Toxic masculinity and polygamy as the glue? www.utahinvestigative.org/how-a-former...
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Yan Matusevich @ymatusik.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
If you haven't listened to Jahongir Otajonov, you're seriously missing out. He's by far my favorite contemporary Uzbek pop star, who manages to combine pop, dancehall, synthwave and folk. This anti-corruption anthem is a good place to start www.youtube.com/watch?v=0nZO...
youtube.com
Jahongir Otajonov - Poram (Music Video) [2024]
YouTube video by Jahongir Otajonov
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Yan Matusevich @ymatusik.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
it's quite exhausting to see the extent to which Ukraine has become a partisan issue instrumentalized by the worst actors. one of my dearest friends is Crimean Tatar and it's painful for me to witness how he's had to patiently explain his story to an absolutely clueless progressive audience
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Yan Matusevich @ymatusik.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
I got stranded in Almaty because of a snowstorm flying with Air Astana and I’m still friends with some of the passengers to this day—it was one hell of a bonding experience. Although Air Astana was waaaaaay more competent than BA. We got driven in a Tesla to a nice hotel with three meals a day.
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Reposted by Yan Matusevich
Animation Obsessive @ani-obsessive.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
In the '80s, some of the world's most fascinating animation was made in Uzbekistan. It was a time of "absolute creative freedom with full funding." We're looking at the story behind the scene, and at the gems it produced: animationobsessive.substack.com/p/visions-in...
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Reposted by Yan Matusevich
Aigerim Turgunbaeva @aigiturgunbaeva.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
My next for @nytimes.com with Paul and Sergey It’s Boom Time in Kyrgyzstan, Courtesy in Part of the War in Ukraine www.nytimes.com/2026/09/15/w...
nytimes.com
It’s Boom Time in Kyrgyzstan, Courtesy in Part of the War in Ukraine
The economy of the Central Asian nation grew by 11 percent last year, partly by becoming a key conduit for goods flowing into Russia.
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Reposted by Yan Matusevich
Doctora Malka Older @older.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
super piece on the changing, narrowing space for protest art and, really, any art in Russia, from @dariadergacheva.bsky.social for @globalvoices.org
globalvoices.org
Street art in Russia is dead and the country is full of monumental war art
At first, artists who emigrated still dealt with themes of war and their departure from Russia. Later, these broadened to include loss of home, identity, displacement and loneliness.
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Reposted by Yan Matusevich
Ned Richardson-Little @historyned.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
Merz finds a way to declare all Jewish Germans "foreigners" in the midst of trying to denounce left-wing antisemitism. Clearly a political talent the CDU cannot live without as it faces repeated electoral disaster.
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Dimi Reider @dimireider.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
Got a piece in this weekend's New Statesman on some of the least helpful reactions to NAZA, such as:
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Nate Schenkkan @nateschenkkan.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
This has happened in Armenia, too www.nytimes.com/2026/09/15/w...
nytimes.com
It’s Boom Time in Kyrgyzstan, Courtesy in Part of the War in Ukraine
The economy of the Central Asian nation grew by 11 percent last year, partly by becoming a key conduit for goods flowing into Russia.
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Reposted by Yan Matusevich
Meduza in English @meduza.io · 15/09/2026
Chechen activist Mansur Movlayev attempted to take his own life after a year and a half in a pretrial detention center in Almaty, his lawyer said. meduza.io/en/news/2026...
meduza.io
Chechen activist Mansur Movlayev attempts suicide in Kazakhstan jail. He faces extradition to Russia. — Meduza
Chechen activist Mansur Movlayev attempted to take his own life after a year and a half in a pretrial detention center in Almaty, his lawyer, Vadim Drozdov, told the independent Russian news outlet…
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Reposted by Yan Matusevich
Nate Schenkkan @nateschenkkan.bsky.social · 13/09/2026
The list of detained and raided here is all the LGBTQ movement groups I can think of at least, which despite everything have been working in Turkey for decades
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Yan Matusevich @ymatusik.bsky.social · 07/09/2026
Great reporting on the corrupt schemes used to recruit Tajik fruit pickers in the UK dispatch-media.com/how-to-bribe...
dispatch-media.com
How to bribe your way on to a British farm
Britain's fruit farms depend on Tajik workers • Many pay huge bribes just to get an interview • Where does the money go?
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Yan Matusevich @ymatusik.bsky.social · 07/09/2026
Back in 2025, I did some reporting on the AfD in Pirna, a picturesque town in Saxony (not Saxony-Anhalt, but similar dynamics) that unfortunately got canned and the thing that jumped out at me was you had a broad anti-AfD coalition: tourism board, cultural workers, the Lutheran church, teachers.
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Eliot Higgins @eliothiggins.bsky.social · 05/09/2026
Incredible war crimes, Incredible assassinations.
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Yan Matusevich @ymatusik.bsky.social · 02/09/2026
With autumn on the doorstep, I remember this beautifully sad ballad by Uzbek singer-songwriter Akbarali Ochilov appropriately called Xazonrezgi (falling leaves). An incredibly talented poet and musician who fell onto hard times in the 1990s, but has since been rediscovered in Uzbekistan 🇺🇿
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IPHR @iphr.bsky.social · 02/09/2026
The dismissal of Kyrgyzstan's powerful security chief earlier this year prompted hopes that pressure on government critics might ease. But our new update for the #CIVICUSMonitor shows that the pattern of repression persists: iphronline.org/articles/kyr... w/ @civicusalliance.bsky.social
iphronline.org
Kyrgyzstan: Hopes for a Thaw Recede Amid Renewed Persecution of Critical Voices - IPHR
This report provides an update on civic space and the protection of the freedoms of expression, association and peaceful assembly in Kyrgyzstan from mid-March to mid-August 2026. It has been prepared ...
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Yan Matusevich @ymatusik.bsky.social · 01/09/2026
President Japarov scores a major PR victory with his grand opening ceremony of the World Nomad Games at the newly built Bishkek Arena (51K capacity, now the largest football venue in Central Asia). It has completely overshadowed human rights abuses, curtailing of free speech.
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Reposted by Yan Matusevich
Olúfẹ́mi O. Táíwò @olufemiotaiwo.bsky.social · 31/08/2026
"Besides being deeply cynical, Chomsky’s supposed pragmatism has not stood the test of time...We may have manufactured consent once upon a time, but America has long since transitioned to a post-manufacturing economy." Very harsh but worthwhile read. strangematters.coop/noam-chomsky...
strangematters.coop
Chomsky After Epstein - Strange Matters
Noam Chomsky – friend of Epstein, defender of dictatorships – was no model anti-imperialist. Can we do better?
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Yan Matusevich @ymatusik.bsky.social · 31/08/2026
New episode of my Central Asian musical hour is now available for streaming on Soundcloud. Kyrgyzstan's Independence Day seemed like a fitting occasion soundcloud.com/sphere_radio...
soundcloud.com
Orta #5 - Jashoo - yaxshiyan - 11.08.2026
Jashoo (life in Kyrgyz) is an episode that combines crackly Soviet-era vinyls from Bishkek’s flea markets with worn-out tape recordings from the bouncy 1990s. In between, you’ll get a glimpse of epic
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Reposted by Yan Matusevich
Kyiv Post @kyivpost.com · 29/08/2026
Over 113k Russians crossed into Georgia in a week amid draft fears, Politico reports. Armenia also stated it won't block those fleeing mobilization. www.kyivpost.com/post/83340
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Yan Matusevich @ymatusik.bsky.social · 30/08/2026
I remember listening to an interview of Laruelle on the Bear Market Brief podcast on whether Putin’s Russia fit the definition of fascism and just ultimately found the “well it’s complicated” answers completely besides the point. It felt like missing the forest for the trees.
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Faine Greenwood @faineg.com · 30/08/2026
I keep banging the “USAID was good and we must confront the obscene wave of death MAGA’s destruction of it unleashed” drum because I *desperately* want Democrats and the Left to prioritize rebuilding global aid. We should rebuild it better, but we can’t just let Musk’s global massacre continue.
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Yan Matusevich @ymatusik.bsky.social · 29/08/2026
Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan used to be the two most remittance dependent countries in the world back in 2017 and 2018, but have gone on completely different trajectories since. In 2025, remittances make up almost 60% of Tajikistan's GDP whereas that number has dropped to just 17% in Kyrgyzstan.
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Yan Matusevich @ymatusik.bsky.social · 29/08/2026
Ahead of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Summit in Bishkek, President Japarov came out with a strongman publicity stunt, promising to "show no remorse and punish" those "few enemies of the nation" who are supposedly attempting to destabilize the country.
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Reposted by Yan Matusevich
The Diplomat @thediplomat.com · 28/08/2026
Uzbekistan's new presidential administration law grants its head – Saida Mirziyoyeva – sweeping new powers, and immunity. buff.ly/qrtERf5
thediplomat.com
Uzbekistan’s Presidential Daughter Just Got a Law of Her Own
The new presidential administration law grants its head – Saida Mirziyoyeva – sweeping new powers, and immunity.
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Yan Matusevich @ymatusik.bsky.social · 26/08/2026
Love the title and am now really looking forward to reading the book!
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Yan Matusevich @ymatusik.bsky.social · 25/08/2026
Molodaya Gvardia, one of Bishkek’s main avenues will now bear the name of Imanaly Aidarbekov, a prominent Kyrgyz Bolshevik revolutionary, who was executed in 1938 during Stalin’s Great Terror. His great-grandson Chingiz was the former minister of foreign affairs between 2018 and 2020.
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Meduza in English @meduza.io · 25/08/2026
Kazakhstan has become a riskier place for anti-war Russians. But for many, it's still the best option they have. We spoke to five Russians about why they haven’t left. meduza.io/en/feature/2...
meduza.io
Kazakhstan is no longer safe for anti-war Russians. So why are so many still staying? — Meduza
Kazakhstan is one of the most popular destinations for anti-war Russians who have left the country. In the first weeks after the mobilization, more than 400,000 people arrived here from Russia. The…
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Yan Matusevich @ymatusik.bsky.social · 25/08/2026
Die Realität ist nämlich eine andere. Menschen bleiben bei den schlimmsten Arbeitgebern, weil sie in einem unendlich langen Einbürgerungsprozess stecken und nicht kündigen können. Das wissen Arbeitgeber ganz genau und nutzen es voll aus.
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Reposted by Yan Matusevich
Mary Lewis @profmarylewis.bsky.social · 25/08/2026
To everyone who told me there was an injunction against this and the USPS rule wouldn’t take effect, not so fast … www.nytimes.com/2026/08/24/u... They know the only way they have a chance to win is by cheating and so they will. The SCOTUS is corrupt and complicit.
nytimes.com
Supreme Court Allows Trump to Pursue Mail Voting Limits, for Now (Gift Article)
The administration asked the court to clear the way for President Trump’s order that creates “state citizenship lists” and directs the Postal Service to decide who gets a mail-in ballot.
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free bahruz samadov (mike) @molenasreddin.bsky.social · 25/08/2026
the united states is moving towards a system where americans abroad cannot vote but must pay taxes
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Yan Matusevich @ymatusik.bsky.social · 24/08/2026
Kazakhstan's Tokayev condemns public displays of affection, including hugs between men. "Men should shake hands firmly, rather than offer a limp hand like a warm meatball or a twig. A handshake should be accompanied by a smile, but nothing more" www.akorda.kz/ru/glava-gos...
akorda.kz
Глава государства проголосовал на выборах депутатов Курултая — Официальный сайт Президента Республики Казахстан
Глава государства проголосовал на выборах депутатов Курултая — Официальный сайт Президента Республики Казахстан
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Yan Matusevich @ymatusik.bsky.social · 24/08/2026
Somehow missed IC3PEAK's new album from last year. Chilling and powerful stuff. youtu.be/eTjjj0JN5i4?...
youtu.be
IC3PEAK - Где мой дом? (official video)
YouTube video by IC3PEAK
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Reposted by Yan Matusevich
Toby Vogel 🇪🇺 @tobyvogel.bsky.social · 21/08/2026
Germany and four other EU member states are in negotiations with the EU’s favorite African strongman to set up “return hubs” outside the reach of EU law and courts
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Yan Matusevich @ymatusik.bsky.social · 20/08/2026
Hardly a surprise that China’s new limited visa-free regime for Kyrgyzstani citizens does not cover Xinjiang
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The Economist @economist.com · 20/08/2026
Kazakhstan’s upcoming election follows the adoption of a new constitution and promises of a renewed state. But opposition politicians, reporters and social-media personalities with dissenting views are still being targeted
bit.ly
Kazakhstan prepares to vote in a cosmetic election
Despite promises of renewal, it is still an authoritarian state
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Yan Matusevich @ymatusik.bsky.social · 19/08/2026
Police interrupt the standup performance of popular Kazakh comedian Galym Kaliakbarov in a comedy club in Astana. They struggle to give any justification for their actions, but force him to end the show. Worrying times for freedom of speech in Kazakhstan
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Yan Matusevich @ymatusik.bsky.social · 19/08/2026
The short-lived Bukharan People's Soviet Republic and even shorter Bukharan Socialist Soviet Republic had some pretty wild flags
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Nate Schenkkan @nateschenkkan.bsky.social · 17/08/2026
I am hiring a Research Associate to join my team at Scholars at Risk: apply.interfolio.com/191007. Great way to get started in international human rights work, particularly if you have an interest in academic freedom
apply.interfolio.com
Apply - Interfolio {{$ctrl.$state.data.pageTitle}} - Apply - Interfolio
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Yan Matusevich @ymatusik.bsky.social · 17/08/2026
Really worrying to see the increased pressure on journalists in Kazakhstan. Dinara Yegubaeva and Lukpan Akhmedyarov are facing criminal proceedings just for doing their job. Lukpan always took time out of his super busy schedule to talk with journalists and researchers nhc.no/en/kazakhsta...
nhc.no
Kazakhstan: Authorities must end pressure on independent journalists ahead of Kurultai elections
Independent journalists in Kazakhstan are facing increasing pressure ahead of the 23 August elections to the Kurultai, the new unicameral parliament introduced under the constitution and approved in a...
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BeijingPalmer @beijingpalmer.bsky.social · 17/08/2026
I think the ultimate test of this is actually Boris Johnson. Boris *was fired from his first job* for making up stories, only to go on to be hired into a prestigious role at the Telegraph and spend years lying about the EU at Brussels. And I mean literally lying here; not bad punditry.
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Yan Matusevich @ymatusik.bsky.social · 17/08/2026
A conflict broke out on a public bus in Bishkek where a passenger boarded wearing a Russian flag with a Z symbol patch on his jacket. One of the passengers, an Instagram blogger, confronted the guy and told he should not be wearing fascist symbols in public vesti.kg/proisshestvi...
vesti.kg
В Бишкеке начали проверку конфликта из-за военной символики у пассажира в автобусе - Вести.kg - Новости Кыргызстана
Один пассажир поругался с другим из-за буквы Z и флага страны на рукаве Министерство внутренних дел Кыргызстана проводит проверку по факту словесного конфликта в общественном транспорте столицы, вызва...
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Yan Matusevich @ymatusik.bsky.social · 15/08/2026
Feels like poetic justice that Kanye West’s performance in Almaty, Kazakhstan got cancelled because of a climate change induced blackout and adverse weather conditions.
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Yan Matusevich @ymatusik.bsky.social · 14/08/2026
I hope @shaunwalker7.bsky.social gets to dig into this story as well because none of this makes any sense to me given the fact that Kyivstoner is somewhat of an apolitical jokester. I say this as someone who still likes his early comedy and some of the earlier music.
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Yan Matusevich @ymatusik.bsky.social · 14/08/2026
I'm skeptical about how this will be implemented in practice, but this is a huge issue across Central Asia. Lots of sketchy sex therapists, Gestalt therapists, psychoanalysts of all stripes and colors with online certificates. Plus there's been an influx of the same kind of therapists from Russia.
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Yan Matusevich @ymatusik.bsky.social · 14/08/2026
Reading through the proceedings of the 1920 Second Congress of the Communist International for some Central Asian related Lenin quotes, but came across the funny interaction by American Communist John Reed pleading with the organizers to add English as an official language.
Reed: l propose that the English language be recognized as one of the official languages at the congress. The number of English-speaking delegates in this hall exceeds the number of those using French, for example. We have been promised an English translator, but we have not got him yet.
Serrati: We will try to accommodate Comrade Reed regarding an interpreter. But as he has already repeatedly been informed, the Bureau cannot accept Reed's motion to permit the use of English as an official language.
Angelica Balabanoff [Eurutive Committee of the Communist Inter- national}: Comrade Reed, this is the third time you have made this motion. The question has been settled.
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Yan Matusevich @ymatusik.bsky.social · 13/08/2026
Always fascinating the mental gymnastics required in these Soviet ethnographic almanacs that justify Soviet rule, condemn Tsarist colonialism, vilify Islam and Sufism, but applaud Russian cultural and linguistic hegemony as a progressive force
Cover page of a Soviet book on the people’s of Central Asia and Kazakhstan
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Yan Matusevich @ymatusik.bsky.social · 13/08/2026
I'm in a feverish rush to finish writing up my beleaguered dissertation––and I'm cracking up re-reading my notes about some of the absolutely insane situations I found myself in during my fieldwork between 2021 and 2024. At this point, my PhD is just an inventory of larger than life anecdotes.
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