There is a line of brilliant thought experiments that stems from medieval Islamic Central Asia and Spain, through the European Enlightenment and to Thomas Paine.
Central Asia articles on Democracy Chronicles
In modern contexts, all definitions of Central Asia include these five republics of the former Soviet Union: Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. The largely Muslim region has been increasingly anti-democracy since it broke off as a group from Russia in 1991. Also see our section on World Democracy and our articles on Russia and Vladimir Putin.
Kazakhs Back Reforms, Hope For More Democracy
Kazakhs have voted decisively in favor of constitutional reforms, signaling the end of founding leader Nazarbayev’s 3 decade rule.
Spate of Criminal Cases Against Kyrgyzstan Journalists
Journalists in Kyrgyzstan are experiencing attacks on their freedoms, with dozens facing criminal accusations in the Central Asian country.
Taliban Intensify Attacks On Afghan Media
The Taliban have intensified their assault against free media, detaining journalists, torturing others, shutting down news organizations.
Kazakhstan President Lays Out Constitutional Reform Plan
Kazakhstan’s President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev proposed constitutional reforms to limit the powers of the President, strengthen parliament.
Turkmenistan Cements A Political Dynasty With President’s Son
Turkmen voters went to the polls on Saturday in a vote that might usher in a political dynasty for the Central Asian country’s president.
Kyrgyzstan Authorities Raid Broadcaster, Detain Director Over Ukraine
Authorities in Kyrgyzstan detained a TV station director for making anti-Ukraine remarks. Kyrgyzstan is well-known for its Russian ties.
Kazakhstan Protesters Arbitrarily Arrested, Beaten
Kazakhstan has arbitrarily arrested peaceful protesters, ill-treated and tortured some detainees, and interfered with detainees’ access to lawyers.
Uzbek Blogger Jailed For Facebook Post
An Uzbek court sentenced a Muslim blogger to seven and a half years in prison for posting an innocuous message on Facebook.
What Kazakhstan Says About The Autocracy Question
The upheaval in Kazakhstan…offers larger lessons about autocracies writ large and the notion of democracy vs. autocracy.