President Akayev’s government was initially devoted to liberalization and democratization, but gradually deteriorated and became an utterly corrupt and ineffective regime. Corruption severely undermined economical development by corroding the administrative structures to such an extent that the state had simply become unable to support the rule of law and could not provide a positive environment for private enterprise and economical development. In 2004, for example, Transparency International ranked Kyrgyzstan together with Niger, Sudan and Ukraine, 122nd place out of 145 countries in its Corruption Perception Index (CPI).

As in Georgia and Ukraine, Kyrgyz opposition groups challenged the incumbent regime, accusing it of corruption and ineffectiveness. However, the president’s entourage attempted to falsify the results of the parliamentary elections in February 2005. In response many groups and private individuals demanded justice and fair elections. Despite being deeply divided into numerous competing fractions, the opposition managed to bring people out into the streets of the cities and towns and later onto the streets of the capital, forcing the president and his close associates to flee the presidential palace.

The panelists will address such issues as the role of clans, the independent media and political groups in these events and will discuss future scenarios for the country’s development and stabilization.

Location: Harriman Institute, Columbia University, 420 West 118th Street, 12th Floor, Room 1219.

For further information, please contact Alla Rachkov at (212) 854-9713 or the e-mail address provided below.