Mirziyoyev Factor: A New Democratic Future of Uzbekistan?

Abstract

Modern Central Asian countries, which gained their independence after the collapse of the Soviet Union have been characterized by turning into authoritarian regimes. Uzbekistan was no exception with president Karimov in power for 26 years. Therefore, his illness and death raised the concern among Uzbeks and international community posing a threat of destabilization in the country and region. But the shift of power appeared to be smooth. A new leader, later elected by the majority of people, brought new hopes of changes to the country. Although in power for only two years, Mirziyoyev has launched ambitious reforms in the economic and political spheres of Uzbekistan. These reforms are seen by many as leading the country towards economic stability and democratization of the country. Using the concept of technocratic populism as presented by Carlos De La Torre, this thesis aims to make sense of the reforms conducted by the current president of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev. It is claimed by the current government that the reforms are directed at improving the economy of the country, contributing to better foreign policy and establishment of cooperation with other countries, and reviving the civil society and raising discussions around human rights. However, a more in-depth analysis of the reforms undertaken by Mirziyoyev’s government through lenses of technocratic populism shows that though the reforms are quite successful in achieving the above set goals, they are aimed at popularization of the state and encouragement of more investments into the country. It is still very difficult at this stage to call Mirziyoyev’s regime democratic as his reforms have the traces of technocratic populism. This means that despite its evident path to democracy, there is a real threat that Uzbekistan might once again be governed by an authoritarian regime