Episode 96 - Democracy in Central Asia?

<p>Central Asia stands at a pivotal crossroads, with the next few months likely to set the course for the region going forward. What lies at stake in Kazakhstan&#39;s delicate balancing act? Will political stability give way to democratic progress or plunge into uncertainty? Does Kyrgyzstan&#39;s strongman rule signal a step backwards for democracy or a formidable power to reckon with? As Uzbekistan extends its ruler&#39;s reign until nearly 2040, can we ignore the unsettling erosion of democratic principles? And in Tajikistan, where power seamlessly transfers to the ruler&#39;s children, what implications loom for democratic processes? Moreover, with Turkmenistan&#39;s freedom index ranking lower than North Korea, are we confronting an unprecedented democratic crisis? What is the future of democracy in Central Asia? We are our panel of experts:<br>- Alexander Cooley (Barnard College)<br>- Erica Marat (NDU)<br>- Temur Umarov (CEIP)<br>- Steve Swerdlow (USC)<br>- Bruce Pannier (Central Asia Journalist)<br>Intro - 00:00<br>PART 1 - 04:02 - (Kazakhstan)<br>PART 2 - 27:33 - (Kyrgyzstan)<br>PART 3 - 39:03 - (Uzbekistan)<br>PART 4 - 55:49 - (Tajikistan)<br>PART 5 - 1:10:02 - (Turkmenistan)<br>Outro - 1:28:26<br></p> <p>Follow the show on @TheRedLinePod</p> <p>Follow Michael on @MikeHilliardAus</p> <p>For more information, please visit - www.theredlinepodcast.com</p>