Democracy in Central Asia?

Central Asia stands at a pivotal crossroads, with the next few months likely to set the course for the region going forward. What lies at stake in Kazakhstan's delicate balancing act? Will political stability give way to democratic progress or plunge into uncertainty? Does Kyrgyzstan's strongman rule signal a step backwards for democracy or a formidable power to reckon with? As Uzbekistan extends its ruler's reign until nearly 2040, can we ignore the unsettling erosion of democratic principles? And in Tajikistan, where power seamlessly transfers to the ruler's children, what implications loom for democratic processes? Moreover, with Turkmenistan's freedom index ranking lower than North Korea, are we confronting an unprecedented democratic crisis? What is the future of democracy in Central Asia? We are our panel of experts:

- Alexander Cooley (Barnard College)
- Erica Marat (NDU)
- Temur Umarov (CEIP)
- Steve Swerdlow (USC)
- Bruce Pannier (Central Asia Journalist)

Intro - 00:00
PART 1 - 04:02 - (Kazakhstan)
PART 2 - 27:33 - (Kyrgyzstan)
PART 3 - 39:03 - (Uzbekistan)
PART 4 - 55:49 - (Tajikistan)
PART 5 - 1:10:02 - (Turkmenistan)
Outro - 1:28:26

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[fra]

Great episode, I'm glad you guys cover less popular areas of the world!

[andresmartinezramos]

For a second I was stumped by the video being posted at 04:30

Then I remembered you are from the other side of the globe

[islammelisov]

Kyrgyz's nations always will support democracy.

[subelwey]

As kyrgyz I would say Kyrgyz Republic is not island of democracy in Central Asia anymore, unfortunately, because of current president.

[Ch-xktv]

45:20 Karimov's daughter would have become the world's first female dictator

[murrayeldred]

As a British passport holder who lives in that Region I call it CENTRAL...there is almost nothing Asian about the place...