Authors
Aijan Sharshenova1; 1 OSCE Academy in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan Discussion
This talk will explore the ongoing autocratic diffusion in the Central Asian region. In particular, it will address the formation of a distinct Central Asian type of autocracy, the role of regional organisations in the survival and consolidation of authoritarian regimes, and mechanisms of exchange of authoritarian innovation and know-how in Eurasia.
First, I will provide theoretical underpinnings of autocratic diffusion. While some research has been done on building a consistent conceptual framework of autocratic diffusion as opposed to democratic diffusion, this field of study remains rather under-researched. Second, it would be fascinating to explore the mechanisms of autocratic diffusion through an empirical case study of Central Asia. Central Asian political regimes can hardly be described as democratic. This talk will discuss the emerging system of autocratic values in the region, autocrats’ mutual help, exchange of best practices and innovation, and collective autocratic action using the current state of political affairs in Central Asia.
In doing so, this discussion does not aim to use ethical or moral judgement of authoritarianism as a political system. Nor it aims to contrast and compare democracy and autocracy, or liberal norms and illiberal values. Instead, it will focus on autocratic resilience of Eurasian regimes. 
