New PONARS Eurasia Policy Memo — Rising xenophobia and declining educational standards are making Central Asians think twice about going to Russia for school. At the same time, and partly as a consequence, the prospect of studying in the West has become increasingly attractive. Yet many students who wish to attend university in the United States face daunting challenges that limit their ability to do so. At the present moment, therefore, an important opportunity exists to facilitate such access for Central Asian youth. Taking such steps would promote the transfer of invaluable knowledge, and would foster international network formation leading to future collaboration, while at the same time pressuring Russia to undertake much-needed educational and social reforms. […]
