The tragic conflict between the Kyrgyz and Uzbeks has a complex nature and deep causes that are tied to the socio-economic situation in Kyrgyzstan since independence. However, the failure of the political elite to transcend ethnocentric policy triggered the deadly clashes. Politics based on uncompromising clan, regional, and ethnic division undermine the opportunity for peaceful competitive politics. In order to avoid this, political elites should promote institution building, the rule of law, and interethnic harmony. Interethnic tension makes Kyrgyzstan very vulnerable to third parties wanting to escalate ethnic conflicts for their own good.

1. Kyrgyzstan’s Politics of Ethnic Hatred
How the Roots Were Planted and the
Fruits Harvested
Baktybek Beshimov
October 30, 2010
Central Eurasian Studies Society
Eleventh Annual Conference

2. Key Theses
• Kyrgyzstan’s political elite is responsible for
ethnic clashes
• Coups of 2005 and 2010 have created
preconditions for ethnic conflicts
• High fragmentation of Kyrgyz society allows
external forces to exert influence
2

3. Interethnic Policy Of Kyrgyz Regimes
1991-2010
Akaev Bakiev
Interim
Government
Conception
Mostly Kyrgyz-
Centric
Kyrgyz-Centric Uncertain
Policy
Common Home Not Formulated Not Formulated
Methods
Balance,
Manipulation
Manipulation,
Subjection
Provocation,
Manipulation
Results
Interethnic Balance Conflict Clashes
Events
Conflicts in 90s-on
Kyrgyz/Tajik border
2006 -
Kyrgyz/Dungan
Clashes, 2007-2009
Kyrgyz/Uzbek
tension
2010 - Kyrgyz/Turk
clashes,
Kyrgyz/Uzbek
deadly conflict
3

4. Unresolved Problems
• Identity
• Integration of Uzbeks in Nation-State Building
• Migration within the country
• Decline of Education
• Business Cooperation
• Criminalization
4

5. Kyrgyz
Russian
Uzbek
Other
minorities
Uzbekistan’s
Political
Regime

6. 6

7. Kyrgyz and Uzbek Prejudices
Kyrgyz
• Uzbeks Never Recognized
Kyrgyzstan as Homeland
• Uzbeks are Separatists
Uzbeks
• Kyrgyz Never Recognized
Uzbeks as their Equals
• Kyrgyz are Nationalists
7

8. Uzbek Dilemma
Ethnocentric
• Kyrgyzstani Uzbeks are a
part of Greater Uzbekistan
• Possible Results:
Nationalism - Conflict and
Disintegration
Civic -Centric
• Uzbeks are a part of
Kyrgyzstan's Nation
• Possible Result: Nation-
State Building
8

9. Uzbek Politics in Kyrgyzstan
Traditional Uzbek
Leaders
Uzbek Young Turks Uzbek Populace
Political Interests Power and Money Civic Nation Security and Rights
Political Methods Deal and
Manipulation
Participation, Open
Discussion
Support of Leaders
Uzbek Cultural
Autonomy
Promotion Promotion, Russian
Franca Lingua
Support
Income Rich Middle Class Poor
9

10. Thank you
Note: Table 6 from the article of the Martin Schuler, Migration Patterns of the Population in Kyrgyzstan.
http://eps.revues.org/index1967.html