scholarly journals Some Common Patterns of Islamic Revival in Post-Soviet Central Asia and Challenges to Develop Human Rights and Inclusive Society

Religions ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (11) ◽  
pp. 548
Author(s):  
Galym Zhussipbek ◽  
Dilshod Achilov ◽  
Zhanar Nagayeva
Keyword(s):  
Human Rights ◽  
Central Asia ◽  
Soviet Period ◽  
Asian Countries ◽  
Islamic Revival ◽  
Central Asian ◽  
Central Asian Countries ◽  
State Actors ◽  
Soviet Central Asia ◽  
Inclusive Society

This paper argues that the following common patterns help explain the ongoing Islamic revival in Central Asia: (a) “de-modern” and “ethnicized” Islam as an enduring legacy of the Soviet period; (b) penetration of Salafism; (c) securitization of “non-official” Islam by state and non-state actors and (d) the rise of conservative Islam which goes hand in hand with retraditionalization. These factors, in their turn, pose serious challenges to developing inclusive society and human rights in Central Asian countries. This paper argues that the Islamic revival in Central Asian countries has come to the point when it can be analyzed under the prism, whether it impedes the development of inclusive society and human rights or not.

scholarly journals Transformation of transport-geographic space of Central Asian countries in the Post-Soviet era

2021 ◽  
pp. 14
Author(s):  
Viktor Fedorko
Keyword(s):  
Central Asia ◽  
Road Transport ◽  
Transport Systems ◽  
Soviet Period ◽  
Asian Countries ◽  
Geographic Space ◽  
Central Asian ◽  
Central Asian Countries ◽  
The Republic ◽  
Transport Logistics

The structural and morphological restructuring of the transport-geographic systems of the countries of Central Asia has become a reflection of the radical transformation of the geopolitical space of the region in the post-Soviet era. From the very beginning of a new period of development in the countries of the region, the disintegration of a single (end-to-end) road transport framework that developed during the Soviet period was consistently taking place. This was due to the desire of the countries of the region to minimize their own transport dependence on neighbors, while simultaneously enhancing transport-logistics advantages to exert geopolitical pressure on neighboring states. Under the influence of the corresponding geostrategic landmarks, the countries of the region have consistently built a new configuration of transport-logistics systems during the post-Soviet period. The article examines the changes in the geography of the main road transport communications of Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan that have occurred over the past three decades. It was revealed that the most morphologically transformed transport systems of Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan, characterized by relatively favorable geomorphological conditions for transport construction and more significant economic opportunities. In the predominantly mountainous terrain of Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan, which also have a significantly more modest investment potential, the transformation of the transport-geographic space has occurred to a less pronounced degree. Special attention is paid to the prospects for the reintegration of transport systems of the Central Asian countries, which emerged after 2016, in connection with the profound changes in Uzbekistan's foreign policy towards the border countries of Central Asia, initiated and consistently implemented by the new leadership of the republic, headed by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev.

scholarly journals Poverty Alleviation and Microfinance in post-Soviet Central Asia

2013 ◽  
Author(s):  
Heiko Fritz
Keyword(s):  
Natural Resources ◽  
Central Asia ◽  
Future Development ◽  
Poverty Alleviation ◽  
Asian Countries ◽  
The Public ◽  
Central Asian ◽  
Recent Developments ◽  
Central Asian Countries ◽  
Soviet Central Asia

Microfinance has played an important role in poverty alleviation throughout the developing world. Though some Central Asian countries are blessed with abundant natural resources, uneven income distribution and poverty are prevalent. Microfinance, however, has not been much in the public discussion in the region. The aim of this paper is to take stock of microfinance in Central Asia; to review recent developments in the context of the global development in the sector; to assess the regulatory and supervisory environment; and to identify untapped potential with respect to the future development of the industry.

scholarly journals Security threats and challenges in the post-soviet Central Asia: religion-based extremism on case study of ISIS

2016 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fatima Kukeyeva ◽  
Leila Delovarova ◽  
Tolganay Ormysheva ◽  
Yermek Chukubayev
Keyword(s):  
Central Asia ◽  
Political Systems ◽  
Asian Countries ◽  
Economic Dimension ◽  
Central Asian ◽  
Security Challenges ◽  
Central Asian Countries ◽  
Soviet Central Asia ◽  
Governmental Cooperation ◽  
Role Of Religion

Nowadays the post-Soviet Central Asian countries face a broad range of security challenges and threats.  Some of them are systemic in nature, while others occur sporadically. Many challenges and threats are coming from the outside the region, but the countries’ internal situation and background including historical, economic, social and political aspects. The reaction in the countries on religious-based radicalism and movements like ISIS is an ambiguous.   The range and level of the threats and challenges depends on various reasons and different in all Central Asian countries. But the case of ISIS is very unprecedented and needs to be under the special analysis through the political and socio-economic dimension in all states. The different ways of development chosen by Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan and different background including borders, political systems, the role of religion and social stability defines the reflection to the threat in different way. Tajilistan and Uzbekistan are in high risk zone. The existing regional and extra regional organizations as CSTO and SCO are important in terms of security strengthening in Central Asia. Analyzing the general social, economic and religion climate picture in terms of absorbing or reflecting religious based extremism and ISIS the real power to stop it can be both effective inter-governmental cooperation and coordination with strong civil society support.   Keywords: security, Central Asia, extremism, ISIS;

CENTRAL ASIA: THE BUMPY ROAD TOWARDS POLITICAL MATURITY

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Oleg KARPOVICH
Keyword(s):  
Soviet Union ◽  
Central Asia ◽  
Presidential Elections ◽  
Soviet Period ◽  
The Political ◽  
Political Elites ◽  
Asian Countries ◽  
The Soviet Union ◽  
Central Asian ◽  
Central Asian Countries

Following the disintegration of the Soviet Union, the new Central Asian independent states of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan replaced the Soviet republics of Central (Sredniaia) Asia and Kazakhstan. By the time they gained independence, these countries had already developed specific mechanisms of governance: The Communist Party and state structures had relied, to a great extent, on certain regional clan principles of decision-making inherited from their distant past. The new states immediately declared that they would strive to build Western-style political systems. They elected their presidents and parliaments, set up judicial systems, yet the political elites proved unable to realize the democratic standards of the West they supported in words. Over the course of three decades, heads of state, who dominated and still remain the dominant figures in their countries and are responsible for domestic and foreign policies have replaced each other without any real competition. None of the regional states can boast of competitive presidential elections. On the other hand, even though their political development may have external similarities, there are still numerous differences rooted in their very different past, cultures and mentalities. The regional clan division, swept under the carpet during the Soviet period, was revived as an important and highly influential feature. Kazakhstan was divided into zhuzes; Kyrgyzstan is in the midst of an ongoing regional confrontation between the South and the North; in Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan regional clans have gradually gained a lot of political weight. This means that the leaders of all Central Asian countries had no choice but to take into account the interests of groups and clans and the ties between different tribes, which inevitably affected the principles of governance and choice of officials. The personal characteristics of leaders who came to power after the Soviet Union had left the stage and their interpretations of the ongoing processes played a huge role in regional developments, the relationships between the regional states, the regional balance of power and the political situation. Today, all the above-mentioned countries with the exception of Tajikistan, have elected new presidents either amid domestic political turmoil or through a power transit within the same group. This means that in all Central Asian countries presidential elections are not seen as an instrument of change of power but, rather, as an instrument of remaining in power. The complicated economic situation, the non-regional actors that put pressure on the local political elites and, recently, the COVID-19 pandemic, which intensified the social and economic problems, did nothing positive for the political and economic stability in Central Asia.

scholarly journals China’s interests in Central Asian economies

Human Affairs ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (2) ◽  
pp. 239-252
Author(s):  
Lea Melnikovová
Keyword(s):  
Central Asia ◽  
Economic Consequences ◽  
Asian Countries ◽  
Substantial Impact ◽  
Chinese Investment ◽  
Central Asian ◽  
Belt And Road ◽  
Key Issues ◽  
Central Asian Countries ◽  
Soviet Central Asia

AbstractIn Post-Soviet Central Asia, China is emerging as one of the most influential players as a result of an overall increase in its global role. The Central Asian region forms a crucial part of the Belt and Road Initiative thanks to its strategic location and natural wealth. Relations between China and Central Asian countries have been developing very dynamically over the past two decades and China has had a substantial impact on the five economies. Although the Chinese approach is quite cautious regarding politics and security, there is much greater interest in the economic side, most significantly in energy and infrastructure. The purpose of this study is to explore the key issues behind China’s economic presence in the region and to determine subsequent challenges for Central Asian countries. The methodology consists of an analysis of Chinese investment characteristics in order to understand the economic consequences of the superpower’s involvement in Central Asia.

scholarly journals The COVID-19 Pandemic as a Challenge for Post-Soviet Central Asia Countries

2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 114-128
Author(s):  
A. M. Akhunov
Keyword(s):  
Central Asia ◽  
Kyrgyz Republic ◽  
Asian Countries ◽  
State Of Emergency ◽  
Political Processes ◽  
Central Asian ◽  
Central Asian Countries ◽  
Soviet Central Asia ◽  
Spread Of Infection ◽  
The Impact

The coronavirus pandemic has a significant impact on socio-economic and political processes in Central Asia. The political specifics of the countries in the region affected the methods and approaches taken by the authorities of Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan to prevent the spread of infection. The article compares these approaches: from declaring a state of emergency and ordering a curfew to suppressing information about the spread of the epidemic. The impact of the pandemic on the relations of the Central Asian countries with Russia and the prospects for the development of Eurasian integration projects is also considered.

New European Union strategy for Central Asia

2020 ◽  
pp. 72-79
Author(s):  
S. Gavrilova
Keyword(s):  
European Union ◽  
Central Asia ◽  
Economic Cooperation ◽  
The European Union ◽  
Asian Countries ◽  
Energy Potential ◽  
High Importance ◽  
Central Asian ◽  
New Strategy ◽  
Central Asian Countries

For several decades, the European Union has been steadily increasing its presence in Central Asian countries. The EU's interests in the region are due to a number of reasons, including the desire to expand its influence in the Central Asian countries, the high importance of the region as a transit corridor between Europe and China, the prospects for economic cooperation, and the importance of the region's energy potential. In May 2019 The European Union has presented a new Strategy for Central Asia, designed to intensify cooperation in a number of areas of interaction. The new strategy is aimed at both implementing these interests and expanding cooperation in a number of other areas.

KAZAKHSTAN’S POSITION IN THE ECONOMIC COOPERATION WITH OTHER COUNTRIES OF CENTRAL ASIA

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (2) ◽  
pp. 110-121
Author(s):  
Karlygash MUKHTAROVA ◽  
Yermukhambet KONUSPAYEV ◽  
Klara MAKASHEVA ◽  
Karim SHAKIROV
Keyword(s):  
Central Asia ◽  
Economic Model ◽  
Raw Materials ◽  
Economic Cooperation ◽  
Asian Countries ◽  
Regional Economic ◽  
Economic Relations ◽  
Central Asian ◽  
Central Asian Countries ◽  
Economic Ties

Improving the forms and mechanisms of regional economic integration, deepening the mutual understanding on the formation of an economically and politically secure integrated space, expanding trade and economic relations, elaborating joint actions to maintain regional peace and stability, creating a single information space are among the key areas that have become the basis of cooperation among the Central Asian region (CAR) states. The authors reveal the positive aspects of cooperation among the CAR countries—Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, and Tajikistan. First and foremost, these include common historical roots, linguistic and cultural similarity, convenient geographical location and established economic ties, which allow the states of Central Asia (CA) to establish a deeper and more active understanding of each other, to solve economic and political problems related to finding and realizing domestic investment potential and expanding regional trade and economic ties. The joint establishment of international transport corridors and infrastructure will help reduce the transport costs for Central Asian countries that supply export products to external markets, which is an important area of ​​cooperation in Central Asia. In addition, the economic problems that exist among the regional countries largely determine the nature of relations between them. Future solution of problems determines the subsequent viability of the Central Asian Regional Economic Cooperation (CAREC) and the regional development prospects. Based on the use of economic research tools, the authors examine the problems caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and their impact on the state of trade and economic relations between the regional states. Post-crisis plans for economic recovery in the Central Asian countries will be developed and implemented in the context of the need to solve the present-day problems associated with the gradual lifting of quarantine measures. In this regard, the quickest possible transition of economies to an upward growth trajectory should launch the expansion of trade and economic cooperation and ties among the Central Asian countries. The authors emphasize the fact that another important problem within CAREC is the fact that CAR economies are dominated by raw materials, which does not solve the problems of reducing social inequality and improving the welfare of the regional population. For this reason, Kazakhstan, like other Central Asian countries, is currently in search of a new economic model. The transformation is crucial because the country needs to overcome its excessive long-term dependence on the export of oil and raw materials. The new economic model should be focused on further industrialization and diversification of the economy, on the search for new innovative approaches and development strategies.

scholarly journals EXPORT POSITIONS OF RUSSIA IN CENTRAL ASIA: REALITIES AND PROBLEMS

2021 ◽  
pp. 48-52
Author(s):  
M. M. Butakova ◽  
O. N. Sokolova
Keyword(s):  
Central Asia ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
Russian Regions ◽  
Asian Countries ◽  
Economic Relations ◽  
Central Asian ◽  
Market Capacity ◽  
Central Asian Countries ◽  
The Russian Federation ◽  
State Of Affairs

The article is devoted to researching and assessing the state of affairs, identifying problems and prospects for Russia’s presence in the markets of Central Asian countries. The relevance of the problem is connected with the goals of maintaining the export positions of the Russian Federation in this market and with the goals of increasing the volume of non-resource non-energy exports. The authors investigated the dynamics and structure of world and Russian exports to the countries of Central Asia, highlighted the dominant commodity groups of Russian exports for each importing country. As a result of the study of the territorial aspect and the related specifics of trade and economic relations, it was concluded that a deeper study of export opportunities and prospects of Russian regions bordering on countries-importers of Russian products in Central Asia was made. The article outlines the problems of increasing competition in the markets of Central Asia and the negative impact on the prospects of Russian exports of falling incomes of the population and reducing market capacity due to the pandemic, the need to take a set of measures to maintain Russia’s competitive position in this market. As a result the studies of the problems of the development of Russian exports the authors came to the conclusion that it is mutually beneficial and promising, to increase the supply Russian products to the countries of Central Asia the need to find ways to increase its efficiency, and strengthen state support for non-resource non-energy exports.

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