The Constitutional Systems of the Independent Central Asian States: A Contextual Analysis

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This book undertakes the first comparative constitutional analysis of the Kyrgyz Republic and Republics of Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and Tajikistan in their cultural, historical, political, economic and social context.

The first chapter provides a general overview of the diverse and dynamic constitutional landscape across the region. A second chapter examines the Soviet constitutional system in depth as the womb of the Central Asian States. A third chapter completes the general picture by examining the constitutional influences of the new world order of globalisation, neoliberalism, and good governance into which the five states were thrust. The remaining five chapters look in turn at the constitutional context of presidents and governments, parliaments and elections, courts and rights, society and economy and culture and identity.

The enquiry probes the regional patterns of neo-Sovietism, plebiscitary elections, weak courts and parliaments, crony capitalism, and constraints on association, as well as the counter-tendencies that strengthen democracy, rights protection and pluralism. It reveals the Central Asian experience to be emblematic of the principal issues and tensions facing contemporary constitutional systems everywhere.

Reviews

It is the single comprehensive and erudite overview of constitutional frameworks of the entire Central Asian region and it should be read by everyone who has interest in the politics and constitutions of the respective states. It is, ultimately, a must read for scholars interested in constitutions in authoritarian regimes, a field of constitutional studies which has by and large overlooked Central Asia, for no compelling reason. -- Armen Mazmanyan, Center for Constitutional Studies, Apella Institute * ICONnect Blog *
... this volume is a welcome, impressive, and perceptive addition to the comparative law of the Commonwealth of Independent States. -- W E Butler * Journal of Comparative Law *
Newtons storytelling reveals profound curiosity, deep understanding, a sense of empathy, and, occasionally, a sense of disquiet... Superbly executed and absorbing, the book compels this reader to agree with the author that the Central Asian experience is emblematic of the tensions and issues contemporary constitutional orders face everywhere. -- Mavluda Sattorova, University of Liverpool * International Journal of Constitutional Law *

Author Bio

Scott Newton has held the Laws of Central Asia post at SOAS since 1999. Over 20 years he has lived, worked, and conducted research in all five countries that are the subject of this volume.