Democracy culture in the central asian republics after the independence: The impacts of socio-economic and political transformation

Abstract

The concept of democracy culture is explained in terms of the extent to which the prominent understanding of democracy is accepted in a country. In other words, it refers to the level of internalization of democracy’s fundamental elements by social and political circles. Social factors are among the most important constituents influencing democracy culture. Within the 30-year process following the disintegration of the Soviet Union, Central Asian Republics have moved on with the desire to be democratized and integrated into the liberal capitalist world system. However, the steps taken have not yet brought about a properly democratic system. At this current moment, what is seen in these countries is rather a sort of pluralist democracy. Indeed, this situation is not surprising, considering that democracy is a process and culture, and it cannot suddenly come into existence. Besides, the fact that these new republics, which have recently gained independence after hundred years of systematic Soviet politics, are obliged to struggle with chronic problems is among the obstacles in front of the formation of a democracy culture.