Gurbanguly Berdymukhamedov won presidential vote last year with a scandalous vote of more than 97 percent
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.
Uzbekistani activist protester freed after 12 years in prison
Uzbekistan has released an activist who was jailed for nearly 12 years after a bloody crackdown on protesters
Government Retaliates against Kazakhstan Civil Society Groups
Kazakhstan began targeting three prominent Almaty-based human rights NGOs for snap tax inspections
Turkmen Dictator Holds Amazingly Brazen Fake Vote
Turkmen Dictator Kurbanguly Berdymukhamedov claims new seven-year term by securing 97 percent of the vote
Turkmenistan Dictator Can Now Rule For Life
Last barrier to indefinite rule by Turkmenistan dictator Kurbanguly Berdymukhamedov has been removed
Death of Dictator is Real Challenge to Uzbekistani Stability
As always, the death of a dictator is dangerous for the country and region, threatening Uzbekistani stability
A Review of Central Asia’s Strongmen Dictatorships
The recent death of Uzbekistan’s dictator has revived focus on the dangers of Central Asia’s strongmen
Regional Stability in Question Following Death of Uzbek Dictator
Hardline Uzbek dictator Islam Karimov has died leaving no obvious successor and legacy of repression
Kyrgyzstan President Atambayev Releasing Music Album
After his planned step down from President, Atambayev releasing music album after his term runs out in 2017
American Diplomacy With Central Asian Dictatorships
Secretary of State’s visit is part of a diplomatic push to woe Central Asian dictatorships’ favor