University of Sussex
Browse

File(s) not publicly available

Political evolution in post-Soviet Central Asia

journal contribution
posted on 2023-06-08, 06:41 authored by Adrian TreacherAdrian Treacher
This article considers the Central Asian republics in the post-Soviet era and the fortunes of western-style democracy to which their respective leaders have committed themselves. A dichotomy emerges between the 'hard' authoritarian approach adopted by Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan and the 'soft' authoritarianism of Kazakhstan and Krygystan. Explanations for the authoritarian path, and implicitly for the lack of progress in democratization, are then expanded upon. These range from cultural and religious factors, to economic pressures, and to the role of Russia and the russified administrators and the political system it left behind. Finally, the article highlights the challenges, potential and real, to the perpetuation of the authoritarian culture. The future path of political transition in Central Asia is of major significance because the peaceful and stable development of this geostrategically and economically important region has yet to be secured. The emergence of political cultures centred on democratic values is far from guaranteed. There is nothing to say that such values even have any place in these societies.

History

Publication status

  • Published

Journal

Democratization

ISSN

13510347

Publisher

Taylor & Francis

Issue

3

Volume

3

Page range

306 - 327

ISBN

1351-0347

Department affiliated with

  • Politics Publications

Full text available

  • No

Peer reviewed?

  • Yes

Legacy Posted Date

2012-02-06

Usage metrics

    University of Sussex (Publications)

    Categories

    No categories selected

    Exports

    RefWorks
    BibTeX
    Ref. manager
    Endnote
    DataCite
    NLM
    DC