Tajikistan's Difficult Development Path

Tajikistan teeters on the brink of failure. This mountainous and landlocked country, the poorest in Central Asia, confronts the challenges of good governance and economic survival. These domestic struggles become even more problematic as international forces prepare to withdraw from neighboring Afghanistan, leaving Central Asian countries to ensure regional stability. In Tajikistan's Difficult Development Path , Martha Brill Olcott traces the political, economic, and social change following the country's independence and international efforts to avert state collapse. The Tajik government's commitment to reform has been inconsistent, and substantial foreign assistance provided since the end of the country's civil war has not led to the desired economic and political development. Olcott concludes that the Tajik leadership faces a serious dilemma: fully embrace reform or continue moving toward state failure. Tajikistan's decision will have very real implications for this troubled region.

Tajikistan teeters on the brink of failure. This mountainous and landlocked country, the poorest in Central Asia, confronts the challenges of good governance and economic survival. These domestic struggles become even more problematic as international forces prepare to withdraw from neighboring Afghanistan, leaving Central Asian countries to ensure regional stability.

In Tajikistan's Difficult Development Path, Martha Brill Olcott traces the political, economic, and social change following the country's independence and international efforts to avert state collapse. The Tajik government's commitment to reform has been inconsistent, and substantial foreign assistance provided since the end of the country's civil war has not led to the desired economic and political development.

Olcott concludes that the Tajik leadership faces a serious dilemma: fully embrace reform or continue moving toward state failure. Tajikistan's decision will have very real implications for this troubled region.

"Tajikistan teeters on the brink of failure. This mountainous and landlocked country, the poorest in Central Asia, struggles with corruption and its citizens lack a number of basic freedoms. These domestic challenges become even more problematic as international forces prepare to withdraw from neighboring Afghanistan, leaving the Central Asian countries to ensure regional stability. In Tajikistan's Difficult Development Path, Martha Brill Olcott traces the political, economic, and social change following the country's independence and international efforts to prevent a collapse of the state. The Tajik government's commitment to reform has been limited at best, and substantial foreign assistance provided since the end of the country's civil war has not led to real economic and political development. Olcott concludes that the Tajik leadership faces an urgent choice between fully embracing reform and continuing on its current failed track."--Publisher description Table of Contents 6 Foreword 8 1. Introduction: A Country at Risk 10 2. Politics and Religion 20 3. Do Tajik Officials Have the Will to Reform? 62 4. The Economic Environment 94 5. Reforming Agriculture 144 6. Tajikistan's Industrial Sector 186 7. Tajikistan's Infrastructure and Energy Crisis 226 8. Women, Children, Food, and Social Safety 270 9. Looking Ahead 322 Appendix 342 Notes 364 Bibliography 434 Index 448 Introduction -- Politics And Religion -- Does The Country Have The Will To Reform? -- The Economic Environment -- Reforming Agriculture -- Industry -- The Country's Infrastructure And Energy Crisis -- Women, Children, Food, And Social Safety -- Looking Ahead. Martha Brill Olcott. Includes Bibliographical References And Index.