Publication

This briefing analyzes the impact of economic misrule and political repression on the political and economic situation in Uzbekistan since the late 1990s, and how this state of affairs resulted in public violence during May 2005. With further violent unrest in Uzbekistan a strong possibility over the medium-term, the authors advise the international community to develop new strategies to prepare for potentially massive instability in Central Asia. This could have a significant impact on Western interests in the region. In light of the limited influence of the international community on the Uzbek government, the authors suggest taking long-term measures that maintain political activity, civil society, and educational opportunities.