There has long been a disconnect between what Kazakhstan's government wants to offer the public and what the people need.

President Shavkat Mirziyoyev is pursuing an agenda focused on getting the economy on track while showing no appetite for democratic change.

New Kyrgyz leader Sadyr Japarov will need to prove to Putin that his rise to power is an opportunity for change.

The country’s independent media are anxiously waiting to see if there will be a crackdown on outlets not in favor with the new regime.