Publication

This paper discusses the political, economic, democratic and security situation in Kyrgyzstan prior to the country’s October 4, 2015 elections. Among other issues, it looks at 1) political and democratic developments in the country since violent protests forced the ousting of President Kurmanbek Bakiyev in 2010; 2) the growth of economic problems in the country, including rising unemployment and dependency on remittances; 3) the country’s dependency on Russia; 4) the rise of nationalism, ethnic tensions and religious radicalization; 5) the challenges facing political reform and efforts to deal with corruption; and 6) the potential regional implications of a possible eruption of violence in Kyrgyzstan.