In this episode, our three co-hosts open this episode with a brief rundown of the latest news in the region, including developments related to Azerbaijan, Moldova, Slovakia, Hungary, Russia and North Macedonia. Adam and Nina are later joined by Asel Doolotkeldieva a non-resident fellow of the George Washington University and expert on Kyrgyzstan. Asel describes the current political situation in the country which has developed as a result of the last protests in October 2020 which includes a new crackdown on independent media and civil society. For more context: “Kyrgyzstan faces a new era in regional politics” https://neweasterneurope.eu/2023/04/12/kyrgyzstan-faces-a-new-era-in-regional-politics/ "An illegitimate transfer of authority in Kyrgyzstan" - New Eastern Europe’s 2020 interview with Aida Alymbaeva, a Kyrgyz lecturer and opposition politician: https://neweasterneurope.eu/2020/12/03/an-illegitimate-transfer-of-authority-in-kyrgyzstan/ >>> Please complete our listener survey: https://forms.gle/w1qr9apHWsQhJAjg8 Support us on Patreon! www.patreon.com/talkeasterneurope