AUTHORITARIANISM IN THE CENTRAL ASIA (AS EXEMPLIFIED BY KAZAKHSTAN)

Abstract

In the article the problem of formation and transformation of an authoritarian style of governance in Central Asia has been considered. Its author claims that the executive, the legislative and the judicial branches of government are not really divided. The executive branch remains the force which determines the main development trends in society. Consequently, reforms in region have superficial nature. Among the main reasons of authoritarianism, established in Central Asia, the author emphasizes on the maintenance of tribal (clan) society structure, strengthening of conservatism and influence on the part of Islam, weak civil society institutions and the formation of local elite based on old party nomenclature. As it was established in the article, the political parties in Central Asia, as a rule, don`t have an ideological platform, and their formation is dominated by regional, clan and tribal interests. Their support from voters is determined by the attitude towards the party leader. As an example of Kazakhstan the author examines the major stages of its political system development for the last twenty years. It was suggested that an authoritarian setback took place amid the high politico-social tensions in 1993-1995. After, the process of authoritarian modernization began in the context of “large privatization”. As a result, polycentrism, when a clan became a prevailing form of elite grouping, was formed. In 1998-2004, the political system of Kazakhstan was built on basis of “managed democracy” model. An idea of improving system`s stability through strengthening of presidential power with simultaneous development of institutional elements of democracy forms its basis. A present stage of Kazakhstan’s political development is marked by that the authoritarian style of government amid the substantial economic progress and social stabilization has become to discourage the business and civic engagement activities. The situation demanded the liberalization of political life and the ruling elite had to make concessions.

Keywords

• authoritarianism
• central asia
• clan
• kazakhstan
• liberalizing
• the political system
• the political party
• ruling elite