Post-Liberal Statebuilding in Central Asia: Imaginaries, Discourses and Practices of Social Ordering

This book examines post-liberal statebuilding in Central Asia from a decolonial perspective, arguing that it leads to new forms of exclusion, marginalization, and violence. It highlights the problem with assumptions about liberal democracy, modern statehood, and capitalist development as the standard template for post-conflict countries.

Format: Hardback
Length: 266 pages
Publication date: 25 May 2022
Publisher: Bristol University Press

This captivating book delves into the realm of post-liberal statebuilding in Central Asia, offering a fresh and insightful perspective from decolonial lenses. It contends that, despite its purported emancipatory nature, post-liberal statebuilding can be more accurately described as a collection of social ordering mechanisms that perpetuate new forms of exclusion, marginalization, and violence. Through extensive ethnographic fieldwork in Southern Kyrgyzstan, the volume provides a detailed examination of community security and peacebuilding discourses and practices. By critically analyzing these, the book sheds light on the prevailing assumptions about liberal democracy, modern statehood, and capitalist development as the default framework for post-conflict countries, a notion that is widely accepted but seldom scrutinized.

The book begins by exploring the historical roots of post-liberal statebuilding in Central Asia, tracing the legacies of colonialism, Soviet occupation, and the subsequent emergence of nation-states. It argues that these historical processes have shaped the political, economic, and social landscapes of the region, creating complex power dynamics and uneven development.

In the subsequent chapters, the book delves into the nuances of post-liberal statebuilding in Central Asia. It examines how state institutions, policies, and practices contribute to the perpetuation of exclusion and marginalization, particularly among marginalized communities such as ethnic minorities, women, and youth. The volume highlights the ways in which these institutions reproduce social inequalities, perpetuate violence, and undermine democratic processes.

To address these challenges, the book proposes alternative frameworks for post-liberal statebuilding. It advocates for a more inclusive and equitable approach that recognizes the diverse needs and experiences of different communities. It emphasizes the importance of decentralization, community participation, and the promotion of human rights and social justice.

Throughout the book, the author employs a rich mix of empirical evidence, theoretical insights, and personal anecdotes to illustrate the complexities and challenges of post-liberal statebuilding in Central Asia. The use of ethnographic fieldwork provides a firsthand account of the experiences and perspectives of local communities, allowing the reader to gain a deeper understanding of the social, political, and economic dynamics at play.

In conclusion, this book offers a valuable contribution to the study of post-liberal statebuilding in Central Asia. It challenges the dominant narratives and assumptions about statebuilding and development in the region, offering a more nuanced and critical perspective. By highlighting the ways in which post-liberal statebuilding perpetuates exclusion, marginalization, and violence, the book provides a roadmap for building more inclusive and sustainable societies in Central Asia.

Weight: 540g
Dimension: 161 x 240 x 22 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781529220001