Resource Curse
The Impact of Mining in Kyrgyzstan
Deutsche Fassung
Abstract
Mining is of great economic importance in Kyrgyzstan. However, the country suffers from a “resource curse”. Weak institutions enable the political leadership and its favourites to appropriate proceeds from the sale of raw materials. In order to preserve their lucrative prebends and protect themselves from prosecution, the rulers try to prevent a democratic change of government. In this way, institutions are further weakened. The economic damage is also considerable. Mining contributes little to Kyrgyzstan’s socio-economic development, hinders the development of democracy and the rule of law, and causes massive environmental destruction.
(Osteuropa 8-10/2024, pp. 295–312)