Grassroots Activism and Kyrgyz Independence: The Role of Social Movements During Perestroika

• In Event: From Housing Struggles to Political Mobilization: Grassroots Activism in Late Soviet Central Asia

Abstract

This study explores the role of local social movements in Kyrgyzstan during the Perestroika period (1985–1991) and their contribution to the country's path toward independence. The research challenges narratives that portray Kyrgyz independence as a passive outcome of external factors, emphasizing the proactive role of local organizations such as "Ashar," "Asaba," and "The Democratic Movement of Kyrgyzstan" (DDK) instead. These movements addressed critical issues, including urbanization, economic equality, cultural identity, and historical memory, fostering national self-determination.
The study, conducted by the Esimde research team, uses a multidisciplinary methodology that includes 100 interviews, memoir analysis, media studies, and focus groups. It examines the dynamics of these movements through the lens of social movement theory. The findings reveal how socio-economic deprivations, political restrictions, and cultural marginalization under Soviet policies catalyzed collective action. The paper also sheds light on the interplay between grassroots activism and broader political processes, including the role of leaders, students, journalists, and ordinary citizens.
By situating Kyrgyzstan's independence within a framework of local agency and activism, this research contributes to a more nuanced understanding of post-Soviet transitions. It underscores the importance of local movements in shaping national identity and sovereignty, offering insights relevant to regional studies and social change theories.

Author

• Mukaram Toktogulova, American U of Central Asia (Kyrgyzstan)