“Since Trump’s return… human rights issues have taken a back seat.”
Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan have voiced plans to deepen cultural and educational exchanges to help nurture a new managerial class capable of driving economic modernization in both nations. The initiative comes as Central Asian leaders arrive in Washington for a summit with President Donald Trump.
Analysts say human rights and political freedoms are unlikely to feature prominently in the discussions. “Since Trump’s return to the White House in January, human rights issues have taken a back seat to trade deals in US diplomacy,” Dzhuraev noted.
Trump’s past record on rights issues has also dampened expectations for action on a recent appeal from the Tajik opposition group, the Movement for Reform and Growth. In a November 5 open letter, the group urged Trump to press Tajik President Emomali Rahmon on political repression and demand the release of political prisoners, warning that “ignoring this crisis… can lead to destabilization of Central Asia.”