Can Democracy Take Root in Kyrgyzstan?

Can Democracy Take Root in Kyrgyzstan? 

The Central Asian nation of Kyrgyzstan, the only country in the world to host both Russian and American military installations, has been rocked by political instability and murderous violence over the past year. In April, a mob overthrew President Kurmanbek Bakiyev, and in June, ethnic riots targeting minority Uzbeks resulted in the deaths of some 400 people and the displacement of 400,000. As it prepares for elections scheduled for October, Kyrgyzstan's authoritarian neighbors are watching closely in fear that the country's hopes of becoming the first parliamentary democracy in Central Asia may be realized.

Introduction:             Jamie Fly
                                    The Foreign Policy Initiative

Panelists:                   Jamie Kirchick
                                    Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty

                                    Erica Marat
                                    Central Asia Caucasus Institute

                                    Jeff Goldstein
                                    Open Society Foundation

Moderator:                Steve LeVine
                                    ForeignPolicy.com blogger

Closing Remarks:     Jeff Gedmin
                                    Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty

Audio  |  Transcript  |  Summary  |  Photos  |  Video

About Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty

RFE/RL (www.rferl.org) broadcasts uncensored news and informaiton in 28 languages to countries where a free press is either banned by the government or not fully established. RFE/RL's broadcasts are heard across 11 times zones each week, by nearly 18 million listeners in 21 countries including Iran, Iraq, Afghanistan , Pakistan and Russia. Created in1950, RFE/RL is funded by the U.S. Congress through the Broadcasting Board of Governors (BBG).

About the Foreign Policy Initiative

FPI is a non-profit, non-partisan, tax-exempt organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code. FPI seeks to promote an active U.S. foreign policy committed to robust support for democratic allies, human rights, a strong American military equipped to meet the challenges of the 21st century, and strengthening America's global economic competitiveness. The organization was founded in 2009 and is led by Executive Director Jamie Fly. FPI’s Board of Directors consists of Eric Edelman, Robert Kagan, William Kristol, and Dan Senor. Visit our website at www.foreignpolicyi.org for more information.