Publication

This briefing examines the sources of tension in Uzbekistan that led to a popular uprising in Andijan in May 2005, which was put down by the Uzbek military, possibly causing as many as 750 civilian casualties. The authors conclude that the uprising in Andijan was not an anomaly, but the latest manifestation of growing dissent and instability within Uzbekistan. This dissent is largely caused by a lack of political and economic reform, and a series of trade and economic measures that put restrictions on Uzbek bazaar traders and other small entrepreneurs.