A comparative analysis of public administration education in the United States and post-Soviet Central Asia

ABSTRACT

In democracies, the importance of public service is taught in the public administration curriculum, with an emphasis on democratic governance and how administering public goods contribute to a democratic society. This comparative work contributes to the field of study by applying theories of democratic values of public administration to the process of democratization. The study focuses on a comparative study of graduate-level curriculum delivery in the United States and public administration schools in post-Soviet Central Asia (primarily in Kazakhstan and Kyrgyz Republic) governments. This work explores the curricula of public administration institutes under the Presidents of the Republic of Kazakhstan and Kyrgyz Republic. The curriculum, which tends to be controlled by the regime transitioning to democracy, prepares future public servants for state management.

Notes

¹ These schools, while fully accredited institutions of higher education, take on titles indicating such direct link. For example, The Academy of State Management under the President of the Belarus Republic; or The Academy of State Management under the President of the Kyrgyz Republic.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Beth M. Rauhaus

Beth M. Rauhaus is an assistant professor of Public Administration and MPA Program Coordinator at Texas A&M University, Corpus Christi. Her research explores issues of gender and diversity in public administration.

Azamat Sakiev

Azamat Sakiev is an assistant professor in the School of Public Affairs at Penn State Harrisburg. His research focuses on democratization and development in Eurasia, governance, and critical aspects of security.