The institutional framework for democratization under territorial fragmentation of Kyrgyzstan

Author(s):  A.A. Kvartalnov, MGIMO University, Moscow, Russia, artyom@kvartalnov.ru

Issue:  Volume 45, № 3

Rubric:  Topical issues of political science

Annotation:  The author of the article touches upon the characteristics of democratization under territorial fragmentation using the example of Kyrgyzstan. The article examines the reasons for democratization of this country, the special features of the process and highlights that deterministic approaches cannot help scholars explain the democratic transition of Kyrgyzstan. The author of the article underlines the low level of political institutionalization of the country, which coexists with significant political pluralism. The paper covers the historical causes of balancing and compromising in the Kyrgyz Republic and shows that rational political leaders of the country have no option but to deal with interest groups representing other regions. The study reveals major threats to democratic development of Kyrgyzstan and formulates main aims regarding further development of Kyrgyzstan’s political system. The article demonstrates that territorial fragmentation might promote democratic changes and should not be regarded as an exclusively negative factor

Keywords:  territorial fragmentation, democratization, transitology, democratic transition, hybrid regime, Central Asia, Kyrgyzstan

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