Blockade and Incentive
Authoritarianism and Regional Co-operation
Deutsche Fassung
Abstract
Regional co-operation in Central Asia has so far failed due to national rivalries and disinterest. The authoritarian rulers are unwilling to give up their rights of sovereignty and to put their power at risk. Islamic fundamentalism and Western pressure for democratisation are compelling those in power to co-operate. But they consider trans-regional organisations such as the Shanghai Co-operation Organisation primarily as instruments for stabilising their rule. Since the colour revolutions, Russia has gained in importance as a protecting power against democratisation.
(Osteuropa 8-9/2007, pp. 257–276)