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Kazakhstan’s Controversial Nuclear Power Vote
Kazakhs will vote on October 6 in a national referendum to authorize construction of a nuclear power plant. In recent winters, Kazakhstan has experienced severe power shortages, and Kazakh officials assert that nuclear power could help fill the gap. People remember, however, that 456 nuclear weapons were detonated in northeastern Kazakhstan between 1949 and 1989 as part of the Soviet Union’s testing program. The byproducts of these tests continue to affect public health in the region, and many people in Kazakhstan are not pleased with the prospect of nuclear power. Joining host Bruce Pannier to discuss the pros, cons, and controversy of Kazakhstan’s proposed nuclear power plant are guests Togzhan Kassenova, author of the widely acclaimed book Atomic Steppe: How Kazakhstan Gave Up The Bomb; Aya Renaud, an editor at RFE/RL’s Kazakh Service, known locally as Azattyq; and Darkhan Umirbekov, digital editor at Azattyq, who is based in Astana.
Episodes
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September 15, 2024
Russia’s Power Play In Central Asia
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September 01, 2024
The Racialization Of Central Asians In Russia
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August 18, 2024
Podcast: Decolonizing Central Asia
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August 04, 2024
Legislating Fashion In Central Asia
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July 21, 2024
Three Years With The Taliban As Neighbors
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July 07, 2024
Podcast: Suppressing Karakalpakstan’s Sovereignty