Islam and the development of democratic opposition in central Asia

Akhmetova, Elmira (2018) Islam and the development of democratic opposition in central Asia. Islam and Civilisational Renewal, 9 (4). pp. 74-91. ISSN 1394-0917

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Abstract

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.

Item Type:	Article (Journal)
Additional Information:	7311/67255
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Islam and Democracy, Democratic Opposition, Central Asia, Human Rights, Democratisation
Subjects:	B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BP Islam. Bahaism. Theosophy, etc > BP173.44 Human Rights In Islam B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BP Islam. Bahaism. Theosophy, etc > BP1 Islam > BP173.6 Islam and the state B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BP Islam. Bahaism. Theosophy, etc > BP1 Islam > BP173.7 Islam and politics J Political Science > JF Political institutions (General) > JF2011 Political parties J Political Science > JF Political institutions (General) > JF331 Parliamentary government J Political Science > JF Political institutions (General) > JF799 Political rights. Political participation J Political Science > JQ Political institutions Asia > JQ1758 Public Administration -Religious Aspects - Islam J Political Science > JV Colonies and colonization. Emigration and immigration. International migration
Kulliyyahs/Centres/Divisions/Institutes (Can select more than one option. Press CONTROL button):	Kulliyyah of Islamic Revealed Knowledge and Human Sciences Kulliyyah of Islamic Revealed Knowledge and Human Sciences > Department of History & Civilization
Depositing User:	Dr Elmira Akhmetova
Date Deposited:	01 Nov 2018 14:00
Last Modified:	03 Jan 2019 11:11
URI:	http://irep.iium.edu.my/id/eprint/67255

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