Browsing by Subject "Kyrgyzstan"

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Jostling for power and the end of democracy in post-Soviet Kyrgyzstan : 1990 and 2010 conflicts in Ferghana Valley
(2017-05-12) Sheikh, Mansoor Alam; Garza, Thomas J.; Jordan, Bella
This thesis is an analysis of two conflicts in the Ferghana region of Kyrgyzstan in 1990 and 2010 to understand and find how ethnic relations in post-Soviet Kyrgyzstan have progressed. In looking at the conflict, there are two main aspects: first, the motivations of each ethnic group at the time of mobilization and secondly, the hierarchy structure of the groups once they had mobilized and were in the middle of the conflict. The 1990 conflict shows a lack in mobilization in both Uzbek and Kyrgyz populations and violence is mostly smaller groups of one ethnicity attacking individuals of the other group. Comparatively, analysis of the 2010 conflict shows mass mobilization within the Uzbek populations and directed violence against all Kyrgyz. 2010 also heralds the organization of political forces on each side perpetuating violence either through propaganda or through the use of agents providing on field support during the violence. Post-Soviet Kyrgyzstan, heading towards a democratic and self-sustaining nation after the fall of the Soviet Union, fell into the throws of conflict over its identity. Political corruption, demagogue leaders, and self-enriching politicians brought the promise of a bright future to its end. The rise of nationalism within both Kyrgyz and Uzbek populations over the twenty years since the collapse of the Soviet Union has led to far lethal and disruptive violence in this region.
Kyrgyzstan : reshaping elite power structures and other challenges of democratization
(2011-12) Travis, Micheal Jeffrey; Moser, Robert G., 1966-; Jordan, Bella
Kyrgyzstan has experienced two regime changes since 2005. The first, called the ‘Tulip Revolution’, which was modeled on ‘color’ revolutions aimed at democratization in Serbia, Georgia and Ukraine, changed the arrangement of elites in the power structure, but did nothing to weaken the vertical presidential system of power that perpetuated an unstable regime cycle. The second ‘April’ revolution in 2010 brought the creation of a parliamentary system with broadly decentralized power and drastically curtailed the powers of the president. Parliamentary elections in October 2010 created a broad representative body that has improved stability despite the difficulties of elite adjustment to parliamentary dynamics. Successful presidential elections in October 2011 further reinforced the legitimacy of the new system of government. Despite considerable progress, a deep divide between northern and southern elites, pervasive corruption, economic collapse and ethnic turbulence exacerbated by decades of unchecked nationalism all threaten the consolidation of Kyrgyzstan’s nascent democracy. Each of these problems will pose a significant challenge to the political elite, who now have a shared responsibility for the success or failure of policy. How elites react to this challenge will determine whether Kyrgyzstan will continue to gradually consolidate its democracy, or revert to a centralized power structure that has proved inherently unstable.
Говорит Москва : Russian soft power through language policy in Chuvashia and Kyrgyzstan
(2023-08) Strankschreier, Generra; Bychkova Jordan, Bella; Garza, Thomas J.
This thesis examines Russian language dominance and its impact on the Chuvash and Kyrgyz languages in the Chuvash Republic and Kyrgyzstan. The primary concern is the continued marginalization of the Chuvash and Kyrgyz languages, highlighting the need for efforts to revitalize Chuvash and prevent the eventual dominance of the Kyrgyz language by Russian. The research employs a combination of qualitative research methods, including interviews, surveys, digital ethnography of social media platforms and participant observation using Sarah Lawrence- Lightfoot's framework of Ethnographic Portraiture. Through these methods, the study analyzes language usage patterns, language preferences, and attitudes towards the dominance of Russian in society. By examining the online realm through digital ethnography, the research explores how social media can serve as a tool for modernization, promoting language revitalization and fostering national consciousness. The theoretical framework draws upon Svetlana Boym's concept of Restorative Nostalgia to examine the phenomenon of National Nihilism in the Chuvash Republic and Kyrgyzstan, shedding light on the underlying attitudes towards language and identity. By investigating language representation and usage on online platforms, the study highlights the significance of language visibility and representation for maintaining cultural heritage and fostering linguistic diversity. The findings of this research will contribute to the understanding of Russian soft power through language policy and its implications on linguistic and cultural identities of the Chuvash and Kyrgyz people.