IGSD Research Fellow Dr Aijan SharshenovaLink opens in a new window (SHAPEDEM-EULink opens in a new window project) was interviewed by the Russian service of Deutsche WelleLink opens in a new window in relation to the recent adoption of the "foreign agents" law in Kyrgyzstan and the imminent closure of the Soros Foundation KyrgyzstanLink opens in a new window, a private non-government foundation set up by the Open Society Institute in 1993.

Dr. Aijan SharshenovaLink opens in a new window, a research fellow working on SHAPEDEM-EULink opens in a new window project at the IGSD, published a book chapter on polity diffusion and regime security in Central Asia. Her contribution explores the politics of autocracy promotion, autocracy diffusion, authoritarian learning and know-how exchange between Central Asian republics and Russia, a regional trend-setter.

The book is published by German publisher Nomos with the support of the the Centre of German and European Studies (CGES/ZDES) at Bielefeld University and the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD). Hard copies are available to purchase at the publisher's websiteLink opens in a new window, and soft copies are free to download (open access).

IGSD Research Fellow Dr Aijan Sharshenova published a co-authored reportLink opens in a new window on digitalisation of infrastructure and decarbonisation in Central Asia. The report provides an overview of the ongoing digitalisation and decarbonisation efforts in the region, and analyses the challenges and opportunities of taking climate action. The report is co-authored with Dr. Rahat SabyrbekovLink opens in a new window (Harvard University) and Dr. Burulcha SulaimanovaLink opens in a new window (OSCE Academy) and funded by CARECLink opens in a new window Think Tanks Network.

Professor Elena Korosteleva is featured in the Democracy Support DialoguesLink opens in a new window, a podcast that takes a closer look at the European Union's support for democratic politics in its Eastern and Southern Neighbourhoods. Professor Korosteleva discusses democratic practices and the future of democracy in the EU's Eastern Neighbourhood.

The episode is available through the following streaming services:

• SpotifyLink opens in a new window
• Amazon Music
• Apple PodcastsLink opens in a new window

IGSD Research Fellow Dr. Aijan SharshenovaLink opens in a new window has successfully applied to be a part of the School of Advanced Gender EqualityLink opens in a new window (SAGE) organised by the University of Central Asia with support from the Government of Canada-funded Regional Programme, Foundations for Health and Empowerment Education (F4HE), and Advancing Gender Equity through Civil Society (AGECS). SAGE aims to assist gender advocacy organisations, women led organisations, as well as activists, journalists, bloggers working on gender issues, strengthen their capacity in the areas of gender equality and gender advocacy, provide a platform for peer-support, knowledge sharing and learning, and pilot innovative projects through the Small Grants component. In the course of the next nine months, Aijan will learn theoretical approaches to gender equality and practical aspects of gender advocacy.