Saints or Spies? The Changing Image of Civil Society in Central Asia: A Case Study of Kyrgyzstan’s Foreign Agents Law

Abstract

This thesis focuses on the image of civil society in Kyrgyzstan vis-à-vis the state, the population and the international actors. Though, Kyrgyzstan is often perceived as “a democratic island in Central Asia,” undemocratic practices are initiated and implemented. For the past three years, the image of civil society in Kyrgyzstan has been demonized by the government and the sector undergoes many challenges. In June 2015, the newly proposed Foreign Agents Law that could restrict the work of nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) passed the first and second readings in the Parliament. Nevertheless, eventually, the draft law nixed on May 12, 2016. This process reminds of similar procedure in Russia. This research examines the reasons of attacks on NGOs, its reputation and perceptions by the state, population and international actors of NGOs. Moreover, the study shed light on gaps that civil society is experiencing.