REGIONALISM AND STATE-BUILDING IN KYRGYZSTAN

Abstract

During the Soviet years, while on the one hand the titular nationality was
being consolidated culturally, politically and demographically, the republics were
also acquiring multi-ethnic character like never before. In some cases this was
leading to group conflicts as the economy later years showed signs of stagnation
and competition for resources became acute. With central control loosening,
chauvinistic tendencies in the form of not only nationalism but also of tribalism
and regionalism in the republics increased.
In situation of insecurity such as those created by the collapse of Soviet
Union, people fell back on whatever form of solidarity that are available culturally
or politically. Since regional and clan networks have been a tacit constant of
politics in various forms in all the Central Asian states even during Soviet times,
not surprisingly there is a speedier revitalisation of these traditional institutions.
The local elite of Central Asia was closely connected to the tribal, clan or
regional patronage networks that existed and solidarity was built around these
loyalties. It is clear from Central Asia’s experience that sub-national loyalties
continue to exist and function mainly as patron-client networks.1