Kyrgyz “revolutions” in 2005 and 2010: comparative analysis of mass mobilization

Abstract

This article compares causes and mechanisms of the mass mobilizations which took place in Kyrgyzstan in 2005 and 2010. The upheavals of 2005, the so called “Tulip Revolution,” led to the ousting of President Akaev who was replaced by Kurmanbek Bakiev. In 2010, Bakiev himself had to flee the country after violent social upheavals. As this analysis shows, the causes for both series of events were similar: neopatrimonial rule and the elite's control of resources together with oppressive tactics stirred up discontent among wide parts of the population and instigated violent protest. The mechanisms of mass mobilization, however, differed considerably. While the revolution of 2005 was carried out as the concerted action of varied political forces and NGOs, which, supported by patronage networks and traditional institutions, offered material and solidary incentives for the crowds, the great mass of people who took part in the 2010 protests were spontaneously mobilized through purposive incentives when news of the killings spread through the media.

Keywords:

• Kyrgyzstan
• Tulip Revolution
• mass mobilization

Notes

RMT appeared and was popular in the US in the 1970s, when this scientific approach was applied to studying the social movements of the 1960s.

Interview with the President of Kazakhstan Nursultan Nazarbaev (“Nazarbaev osudil cobytiia v Kyrgystane”).

For in-depth research on “Tulip Revolution” see Cummings.

For more information see Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, “Profile: Felix Kulov.”

For a detailed study on the role of informal institutions in the 2005 mass mobilization see Temirkulov.

Information gathered from fieldwork by the author in Zhalalabad oblast in May 2005.

Kurultai – traditional assembly of Kyrgyz people.

The activity of Zhalalabad oblast can be explained by the existence of mass mobilization experience – Aksy events (during street protests six people were shot dead by policemen), and by the influence of Kurmanbek Bakiev's family (he has seven brothers) in the region (according to AKIpress two of them were organizers of protests in Zhalalabad).

Interview with the Head of the human rights committee Tursunbek Akun (“Kirgisy mogut spat' spokojno”).

Interview with Kasym Isaev (Osmongazieva).

Information based on participant observation methods led by the author during the events on 7 April 2010.

Participants of the events on 7 April 2010. Personal interviews by the author. 7 April 2010. Bishkek.

Edil Baisalov. Personal interview by the author. 22 May 2010. Bishkek.