Central Asia
New Data Tool Empowers Journalists in Central Asia
With the support of the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom, our partners at Central Asia Barometer (CAB) have developed and launched a new search tool that can be especially useful for journalists worldwide.
CAB has been collecting a large database for many years of conducting fairly large-scale surveys. The tool allows researchers, journalists and all interested parties to work with scientific data, including specific measurements in time, territorial space, in general, democratizing access to this data.
On October 21, CAB and FNF held a workshop at the OSCE Academy in Bishkek to introduce this tool. The event, attended by 50 students, focused on the importance of independent data collection and analysis in Central Asia. Representatives from both the OSCE Academy and FNF highlighted the role of such initiatives in promoting democratic values and transparency.
The first part of the workshop featured a presentation by a representative of Central Asia Barometer, introducing a new tool designed for data collection and analysis in the region. This tool, created with financial support from the Friedrich Naumann Foundation, aims to empower independent journalists and researchers in combating state propaganda, revealing genuine public opinion, and conducting unbiased sociological studies. The CAB speaker also explained how state-controlled statistical agencies can manipulate results through selective question phrasing, biased sampling, and other methods, often producing findings that align with the desired governmental narrative. Workshop participants were thoroughly briefed on these techniques, giving them critical insight into the potential for data manipulation in official reports.
The second part of the workshop was interactive, with students working in groups to analyze case studies. Each group had to identify manipulative methods used to produce biased results and suggest ways to conduct truly independent and impartial research. This activity gave the students practical experience in maintaining the integrity of data collection, even in environments with heavy government influence.
This new tool will give academics and journalists in Central Asia access to large databases, helping them conduct independent research and investigations that challenge official narratives. It aims to support human rights, strengthen democracy, and fight corruption and authoritarianism in the region.
The workshop was conducted in Russian, with simultaneous translation into English. It showcased the commitment of Central Asia Barometer and the Friedrich Naumann Foundation to promoting freedom of information and research integrity in Central Asia, ultimately contributing to a more transparent and democratic society.
The event demonstrated the power of independent research to protect democracy and human rights, aligning with the values of the Friedrich Naumann Foundation.
You can try the tool here.