Competing perspectives on democracy and democratization: assessing alternative models of democracy promoted in Central Asian states

Abstract

This study examines alternative understandings of democracy and democracy promotion advanced by the US, EU, Russia and China in Central Asia using frame analysis. In the context of this study, ‘frames’ refer to the relatively cohesive sets of beliefs, categories and value judgements as well as specific ways in which these ideas are packaged for the targets of international democratization. The study assesses the implications of alternative representations of democracy promotion and competing models of governance for the prospects of democratization in Central Asia. It concludes that the substance of US and EU democracy promotion in Central Asia has neglected the cultural and political contexts of these states, while the Russian and Chinese models of governance and development have provided a better match to the interests of the ruling elites.

Funding

This work was supported by the University of Kansas General Research Fund allocations [2301575] and [2301666].

Notes

¹ Turkmenistan never ratified the PCA with the EU.

² The US policy documents reiterate these same components of democracy. See, for example, Chapter 89 ‘Advancing Democratic Values, Sections 8201–8262’ (HR 982 2007) and USAID, ‘At Freedom's Frontiers: A Democracy and Governance Strategic Framework’ (USAID 2005).

³ Judicial reform also entails measures aimed at the optimization of legal procedures, improvement of working methods of law enforcement agencies, and greater accessibility of citizens and businesses to legal system.

⁴ The EIDHR should be distinguished from the OSCE's Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR).

⁵ It should be noted, however, that democracy has become a more popular topic of discussion on Chinese social forums on the internet.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Mariya Y Omelicheva

Mariya Omelicheva is Associate Professor of Political Science at the University of Kansas and acting Director of the Center for Russian, East European and Eurasian Studies. Email: [email protected]