Islam and the development of democratic opposition in central Asia
This article provides a brief study of democracy in the five Central Asian countries, i.e. Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan. It suggests that the expected democratisation of Central Asia failed to occur due to the region’s internal conditions, which can be termed t...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
International Institute of Advanced Islamic Studies Malaysia
2018
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| Online Access: | http://irep.iium.edu.my/67255/1/67255_ISLAM%20AND%20THE%20DEVELOPMENT%20OF%20DEMOCRATIC.pdf http://irep.iium.edu.my/67255/ https://www.icrjournal.org/icr/index.php/icr |
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| Summary: | This article provides a brief study of democracy in the five Central
Asian countries, i.e. Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan and
Turkmenistan. It suggests that the expected democratisation of Central Asia
failed to occur due to the region’s internal conditions, which can be termed
the ‘classic colonial syndrome’, in addition to several international factors.
The Central Asian countries did not have the potential to find their own way
in the international arena, simply maintaining their traditional Soviet way
of rule under the new name of ‘democracy’. The paper also finds that the
Central Asian approach to Islam at both state and individual level is a crucial
tool of identity construction as well as an instrument of authority, control and
suppression of political opposition. Yet, Islam played almost no role in the
failure of democracy in the region. This article states that the application of
instruments of democracy alone cannot make nations democratic or provide
well-being and justice for the people. Democracy is about sets of values and
principles aimed at achieving good governance. Thus, democracy should be
considered as a tool and structure on the path of achieving societal well-being,
rather than as the main objective of governance. |
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