In recent years, Kyrgyzstan has been repeatedly labeled as the ‘Switzerland of Central Asia’. Certainly merit goes to Kyrgyzstan, the second smallest republic of this region, for the progress achieved in the areas of democracy and human rights since the 2010 revolution. Comparison with the surrounding countries also makes it easy to single out Kyrgyzstan as a champion of democracy. Nevertheless, recent economic, social, and political developments have brought into question whether Kyrgyzstan can continue to consider itself as a positive example in the region.
Until 2014, Kyrgyzstan had hosted the US logistics military base for Afghanistan. This brought money and jobs into the country, and it also provided foreign policy makers with more leverage to promote democratic values. The closure of the base and the lower amount of political and financial capital invested in the country forced Kyrgyzstan to look for other allies since, at the moment, its productivity and available natural resources are not sufficient to fully sustain itself. Two main actors were and are interested in providing support: Russia and China. The choice made, demonstrated by the recent accession to the Eurasian Custom Union, was in line with an ancient local proverb: ‘never leave an old friend for a new one.’
The increased influence of Russia, though, has had some consequences not only at the economic level, but also on politics, legislation, and policies. Much has already been written about the draft laws on ‘Foreign Agents’ and ‘anti-LGBT’, which are almost copied-and-pasted from Russia. However, more worrisome signs have arisen in the last months, showing that the ‘Switzerland of Central Asia’ is seriously at risk of coming off its democratic path and aligning with neighbouring, more authoritarian countries.
