Over the past 20 years, Kyrgyzstan has undergone two, some say three, revolutions. In the same period, the country has been the scene of inter-ethnic conflict between Kyrgyz and Uzbeks, as well as an armed conflict with neighboring Tajikistan. On the rare occasion when Kyrgyzstan makes international headlines, the context is unfortunately dramatic and negative.

Despite what, from the outside, may appear to be constant turmoil, Kyrgyz civil society remains among the most vibrant in Central Asia. While economic development has been stronger in some neighboring states, the weight of authoritarianism has often stifled creativity. 

Cultural explorations among the country’s youth and a democratic mindset have been a visible strength in Kyrgyzstan. However, the country seems to waver between periods of democratic development and authoritarian backsliding.

Over the past few years, authorities have once again started targeting independent media and the human rights community. In its way, Russia’s war against Ukraine is also making waves as far away as Bishkek.

Ivar Dale is a Senior Policy Advisor at the Norwegian Helsinki Committee, an Oslo-based human rights organization. He has worked at the NHC since 2006, when he established the organization’s Regional Representative Office in Central Asia. In the time since, he has represented the NHC from Bishkek, Almaty, Geneva, and Kyiv. He now resides in Oslo.