menu_open Columnists
Joe Luc Barnes

Joe Luc Barnes

The Diplomat

We use cookies to provide some features and experiences in QOSHE

More information  .  Close

The Changing Skies Over Central Asia

The Changing Skies Over Central Asia

With a rapid expansion in flights to, from, and within the region, the aviation industry is starting to reshape Central Asia.

04.08.2025 4

The Diplomat

Joe Luc Barnes

With Successful Summit, the EU and Central Asia Take Tentative Steps Closer

Turbulence in the wider geopolitical sea has, in many ways, cleared Europe’s path to Central Asia. 

07.04.2025 3

The Diplomat

Joe Luc Barnes

Kazakhstan’s Bid For AI Sovereignty

Astana is talking a big game on artificial intelligence, but can it deliver?

21.03.2025 6

The Diplomat

Joe Luc Barnes

Space Oddity: At 70, is the Baikonur Cosmodrome Nearing Retirement?

In September 2024, a Soyuz rocket blasted off from the Baikonur Cosmodrome en route to the International Space Station (ISS). Aboard were two...

26.12.2024 10

The Diplomat

Joe Luc Barnes

Kyrgyzstan-US Relations: 10 Years After the Closure of Manas Air Base

In hindsight, the Manas base marked the apogee of American influence in Kyrgyzstan.

21.11.2024 5

The Diplomat

Joe Luc Barnes

Why Has High Speed Rail Failed in Kazakhstan?

Kazakhstan once harbored grand plans for a high-speed rail network. While its neighbors have pushed ahead with such projects, why has HSR fallen...

09.11.2024 10

The Diplomat

Joe Luc Barnes

Is Uzbekistan’s EAEU Membership Dead in the Water?

Despite Moscow’s diplomatic overtures, Uzbekistan announced on October 17 that it will not be pursuing full membership in the Eurasian Economic...

01.11.2024 5

The Diplomat

Joe Luc Barnes

Kyrgyzstan’s New North-South Highway Nears Completion

Work on Kyrgyzstan’s North-South Alternative Highway, an ambitious project to speed up travel throughout the mountainous country and help connect...

03.10.2024 3

The Diplomat

Joe Luc Barnes