The role of external factors in advancing non-liberal democratic forms of political rule: a case study of Russia's influence on Central Asian regimes

Abstract

This article argues that deliberate and unintentional external influences play both direct and indirect roles in advancing non-liberal democratic political rule. Specifically, it identifies four key external factors whereby Russia has strengthened Central Asia's authoritarian rule: the diffusion of ideas and norms; the growing use of economic and cultural power; the minimal but strategic use of hard power; and the development of regional organizations. The article shows how Russia has consolidated and further entrenched authoritarianism by mapping its impact on the strength of Central Asia's regimes−its management of political contestation, use of coercion, containment of civil society, and degree of legitimacy. Through ‘regional authoritarian learning’, Russia has also strengthened its own autocracy. The conditions conducive to the advance of authoritarianism include the ‘receptivity’ of ideas and practices, the provision of benefits (financial or legitimacy), and perceived threats to regime survival.

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