Political Psychology of Central Asian Leaders: Comparative Analysis of Personality Traits of Nursultan Nazarbayev, Islam Karimov, and Emomali Rahmon

Abstract

This thesis explores the political psychology of three prominent leaders from Central Asia: Emomali Rahmon of Tajikistan, Nursultan Nazarbayev of Kazakhstan, and the late Islam Karimov of Uzbekistan. These leaders remained(ing) in power for long periods, and this study seeks to understand the psychological factors that contributed to their extended leadership. The focus is on analyzing these leaders' characteristics and traits that influenced their decision- making and leadership styles.

By examining their personalities, the research aims to uncover how their traits, such as their perceptions, beliefs, and motivations, shaped their decisions while in power. These decisions, in turn, played a significant role in shaping their respective countries' political stability, security and direction of foreign policy. Additionally, the study looks at the strategies these leaders used to maintain control, including how they navigated challenges, consolidated power, and built loyalty among supporters. Understanding the personality traits and psychological makeup of these leaders is essential because their decisions impacted the long-term development of their nations. The research highlights the importance of examining the minds and motivations of political figures, as their personalities often guide how they handle both internal governance and external pressures. By doing so, this study contributes to a deeper understanding of political leadership in Central Asia and sheds light on why these leaders were able to stay in power for such extended periods.