
ENC In-Depth Podcast Series: Security in Central Asia
The ENC In-Depth podcast series looks into security challenges in Central Asia from three different angles: the corruption-human security nexus, border disputes and enclaves and security challenges from Afghanistan. The three podcast discussions are part of the EU-Central Asia Monitoring (EUCAM) civil society writing and outreach online course, supported by the Open Society Foundations (OSF).
The discussions revolve around the role civil society organisation can play – if allowed – in addressing the security challenges while working together with other actors (local authorities and international donors and organisations).
The discussions were moderated by Andreas Marazis, ENC Head of Research for Eastern Europe & Central Asia, and feature the comments and insights of nine young and talented civil society representatives from Central Asia:
Civil Society Responses to Security Challenges in Central Asia from Afghanistan
- Dinara Abuova (Kazakhstan), Institute of World Economics & Politics
- Shynar Sarikenova (Kazakhstan), Rosa Luxemburg Foundation
- Murat Gandymov (Turkmenistan), University of Bremen
Border Disputes and Enclaves in Central Asia
- Zinatmo Mamadsalimova (Tajikistan), University of Central Asia
- Ikramidin Zhakypaliev (Kyrgyzstan), Global Shapers Community Bishkek Hub
- Dilshod Mirakilov (Uzbekistan), Doctors Without Borders
Corruption as a threat to human security: A case for civil society activity in promoting safety and women development
- Arina Efremova (Kyrgyzstan), Smart Zharan Association
- Kamila Yessenova (Kazakhstan), Central Asia Center for policy analysis
- Nozanin Homaidjonova (Tajikistan), National University of Tajikistan/NGO Shams
You can listen the in-depth interviews here:
Civil Society Responses to Security Challenges in Central Asia from Afghanistan
Border Disputes and Enclaves in Central Asia
Corruption as a threat to human security: A case for civil society activity in promoting safety and women development

ENC In-Depth Podcast: EU – Turkey Relations
Our 6th and last In-Depth Podcast of the Beyond Erasmus series is dedicated to EU- Turkey Relations, from a historical, cultural, political and economic point of view. The discussion is part of a series of podcasts included in the “Beyond Erasmus: Education, Exchanges and Employment opportunities for youth in the EU and Turkey” training programme which is supported by Friedrich Naumann Foundation in Turkey. The programme involves topics such as promoting student mobility beyond the Erasmus+ framework, youth exchanges, internships, training courses, networking, access to funding for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and free market entrepreneurship and Civil Society Organisations (CSO).
The discussion between Çiğdem Nas, Secretary General of the Economic Development Foundation (İKV) and Samuel Doveri Vesterbye, ENC Managing Director revolved around EU-Turkey relations in light of the historical ties between the two parties, current relations concerning migration and the state of democracy in Turkey and how geographic interpretation of the term “Europe” expands deep into Anatolia depending on the field of interest we look at. It was also mentioned how cultural and religious mixture in Turkey can be seen as a historical asset for Europe instead of a detriment. Finally our speakers highlighted the unique and strong economic ties between the EU and Turkey and shared their thoughts on what could be an alternative integrational framework if the path to EU ascension is out of the picture.
The discussion was co-moderated by Gülçin Sinav, Program Director at the Friedrich Naumann Foundation in Turkey and Andreas Marazis, ENC Head of Research for Eastern Europe & Central Asia.
You can listen and watch the in-depth interview here:


