Lecture on Political Transition in Central Asia

Yestreday, February 7th, Dr. Nur Omarov, a Professor of International Relations at Kyrgyz – Russian Slavic University in Kyrgyzstan gave a lecture titled “Political Transition in Central Asia: Comparative Analysis of Contemporary Development Strategies in Central Asian Countries.” Dr. Omarov made a comparative analysis of the current situation in Central Asian countries and shared his forecast for further political developments in the region.

The late 1980s and early 1990s were the starting points of political transition in Central Asia. It is important to point to the coincidence of key goals that local elite in each Central Asian countries originally formulated. However, they often selected quite opposite methods to reach these goals. As a result, we can categorize several different development models: Kyrgyz, Uzbek and Turkmen. Tajikistan represents a separate paradigm due to its civil war.

While assessing the political transition in Central Asia, the majority of government officials in Central Asian countries talk about its ending phase.  However, the real situation demonstrates that this process is still at its late outset and is just entering its middle developmentmal  stage.  This results from insignificant outcomes achieved from the political transition.

The authoritarian rule prevailing in the region over the last few years may change to a democratic paradigm by the mid-2010s.  The reason is the gradual appearance of new elites oriented towards democratic values.  Only in case of their success,can we state about the start of finalizing phase of political transition in Central Asia. The lecture will highlight major events best illustrating the political transitions in the region.