May 26, 2010

LECTURE: Contemporary Culture in Kyrgyzstan in Times of Change

SPEAKER: Professor Yuristanbek SHIGAEV, Renowned Painter and Director, National Fine Arts Museum (Kyrgyzstan) 

The lecturer will talk on the state of contemporary art in Kyrgyzstan that in times of change reflects distinct trends requiring its own interpretation and comprehension. On the one hand, contemporary art in Kyrgyzstan is multifaceted featuring the rich heritage of Kyrgyzstan and know-how of art techniques and innovations. On the other hand, the art cannot distance itself from the social changes occurring in the country and not react to these transformations. The emphasis of the lecture will also be on museums, museum culture and major recent directions in other domains of art in Kyrgyzstan.

The lecture will be followed by a short documentary film about the National Fine Arts Museum in Kyrgyzstan.

May 13, 2010

Documentary film: “Beyond The Borders. The Debate Over Human Migration (USA)”

Synopsis: Documentary film entitled, “Beyond Borders” moves past the headlines and takes an in-depth look at the hot-button issues of legal and illegal immigration. “Beyond Borders” explores the psychological forces driving the immigration controversy from both sides of the debate. Anti-immigration activists demand we stop this "illegal alien invasion,” while some pro-immigration forces speak of a Reconquista, a reclaiming of the American Southwest by Mexico. In search of a middle ground, “Beyond Borders” travels across the USA and beyond to give voices to those on the front-line of this issue, including candid interviews with Border Patrol agents, radio celebrities, demographers, the Minute Men and potential migrants. “Beyond Borders” is an entertaining and enlightening film that asks: Is migration a basic human right?

Writer/Director/Editor: Brian Ging
Director of Photography: Seth Orozco

April 16, 2010

LECTURE:  Engaging With the “Neighbourhood”: EU Policies towards the South Caucasus and Central Asia

Speaker: Licínia Simão, University of Minho, Portugal

Abstract: The Central Asian and the Caucasus countries have attained a very significant place in the EU’s external relations. The importance of the Caucasus and Central Asia is reflected in policies the EU has adopted towards both regions since the fall of the former Soviet Union. This lecture will give particular attention to the goals and policy instruments of the EU Neighborhood Policy towards the South Caucasus and the EU Strategy towards Central Asia. The lecture will also highlight key obstacles in implementing these EU policies.  

Bio: Licínia Simão is a PhD candidate in International Relations at University of Coimbra, Portugal. She was a Visiting Research Fellow at the Centre for European Policy Studies in 2007 and is currently a Research and Teaching Fellow at the OSCE Academy in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. She is also a Junior Researcher at the Research Unit in Political Science and International Relations at the University of Minho in Braga, Portugal and a Local Coordinator for the Bratislava-based Training Centre for First-time University Teachers.

March 17, 2010

Documentary Film: “Dying to Leave” (Australia)

Synopsis: “Dying to Leave” explores the current worldwide boom in illicit migration and human trafficking. Every year, an estimated two to four million people are illegally trafficked. An alarming number of these migrants end up in bondage, forced to work as prostitutes, thieves, or as laborers in sweatshops. By listening to the voices of those who pulled up their roots and risked all, the film puts a human face on what might other wise be seen as statistical, overwhelming and remote, and reveals the circumstances that drove these migrants from their homes, the difficulties involved in their epic journeys, and what awaits them in their new world.

The film was produced in 2003. The film directors are Chris Hilton and Aaron Woolf. The film is provided to the Social Research Center at AUCA by the Office of International Organization on Migration in Kyrgyzstan.

March 3, 2010

Lecture: The 2009 National Population Census Results of Kyrgyzstan

Presenter: Ludmila Torgasheva, Head, Demographic Statistics Department, National Statistical Committee, Kyrgyzstan

Abstract: In 2009, the national population census was conducted in Kyrgyzstan that was the second national census in the history of post-Soviet Kyrgyzstan; the first one took place in 1999. The census covered all citizens of the country regardless of their residence registration status (permanent or temporary) and their ownership rights.
 
Presenter will highlight, among other issues, preliminary results on the population number, its distribution along the territory of Kyrgyzstan, population age composition, level of education and employment status. The presenter will also speak about the key demographic changes for the last ten years, starting from 1999.

February 10, 2010

Documentary Film Featuring: “Casual Worker” (Kyrgyzstan)

Producer: Mrs. Dinara Suimalieva, Director, MIR TV Company, Kyrgyzstan

Mrs. Dinara Suimalieva with a filming group from Piramida TV & Radio Company (Kyrgyzstan) leaves for a journey following the difficult lives of Kyrgyz migrants working as traders at bazaars in Almaty, Kazakhstan and Yekaterinburg, Russia and as farmers in these two countries. This movie illustrates hardship faced by Kyrgyz migrants in foreign land working to feed their families left at home. The film raises the issues of residential registration and discrimination by police officers. It also depicts complications of Kyrgyz Diaspora formation in these countries. Dramatic scenes from the Petuhovo Station vividly portray the terrible abuse by Customs Officers. Although this documentary was produced in 2002, it has not lost its relevance today.

The film was made with the support of Internews Network Representation in Kyrgyzstan and International Organization on Migration (IOM) in Kyrgyzstan.

Producers of the film are invited to this film featuring to share their experiences and views. The documentary will be followed by a discussion.

January 29, 2010

LECTURE: The Global Financial Crisis’ Influence on Monetary Policy of Kyrgyzstan

Dr. Marat Alapaev, Chairman, The National Bank of the Kyrgyz Republic

Abstract: The lecturer will speak about how global financial crisis has impacted Kyrgyzstan. He will touch upon steps taken by the National Bank of Kyrgyzstan to mitigate the impact of global crisis on national economic development. Dr. Alapaev will talk on priority monetary instruments to be introduced in Kyrgyzstan in 2010 and present financial forecast for the upcoming years.

Bio: Dr. Marat Alapaev graduated from Kazakh State University in 1984 and PhD School of Moscow State University in 1989. He holds a degree of Kandidat Nauk in Economics. Dr. Alapaev served in various senior managerial positions in banking sector in Kyrgyzstan. He served as the Board Chairman at “Eridan” and “Bakai” Banks, private banks in Kyrgyzstan. Since April 2006, he has been working as the Chairman of the National Bank of Kyrgyzstan.

January 26, 2010

BOOK PRESENTATION: “Institutionalization of Non-Governmental Organizations in Kyrgyzstan during 1991-2004”

Presenter: Dr. Sairagul Matikeeva, Kandidat Nauk in Political Science, Senior Lecturer,International University of Kyrgyzstan, Bishkek

Synopsis: This study is the first attempt to analyze the nature and institutionalization of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in the post-Soviet space. It is devoted to certain issues of civil society theory and features socio-political environment of NGOs’ evolvement and development in Kyrgyzstan. It also depicts trends of their development, highlights their challenges and achievements. This empirical study is supported by data collected through interviews of experts regarding activities, obstacles and development prospects of NGOs in Kyrgyzstan.

The book is largely based on Kandidat Nauk dissertation entitled, The NGOs’ Role in the Time of Civil Society Evolvement in Kyrgyzstan, which was defended in January 2005.

December 16, 2009

LECTURE: “Kyrgyzstan in 2009: Year of Positive Changes or …?”
 
Dr. NUR OMAROV, Professor, International Relations Department, Kyrgyz Russian Slavonic University, Kyrgyzstan

Abstract: The year of 2009 has been extremely intense in Kyrgyzstan as a result of various domestic and international policy events. In general, it can be said that these events have become a regular outcome of the country’s developments during 2005-2008. Some regard it as a positive outcome, others talk of degradation in all spheres of life of the country. This lecture will attempt to give an objective answer to this and other questions.

Bio. Dr. Nur Omarov is Kandidat Nauk of Political Sciences, Doktor of Historical Sciences, Professor in the International Relations Department of the Kyrgyz Russian Slavonic University, Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. He has authored a number of article, books as well as textbooks for universities in Kyrgyzstan. His research areas are international relations, security, political processes in Kyrgyzstan and other Central Asian countries.

November 25, 2009

LECTURE: “National Identity and Civic Nation in Kyrgyzstan
 
Speaker: CHOLPON NOGOIBAEVA, Analyst, Casa Asia, Spain

Abstract: Issues of identity are the mainframe for all social formations, including states and countries. Having formal signs of commonality, such as territory, borders, law and political institutes, sovereign states also need an informal socio-cultural identity, that forms the basis for their existence. For post-Soviet countries, which became sovereign less than twenty years ago, national identity has become a defining factor not only in preserving stability of government systems, but also as the cornerstone for their development. The majority of post-Soviet countries have pursued a concept of nation-building with a greater or lesser degree of openness, where significant issues have been the ability of dominant ethnos to play a consolidating role and opportunities for minority groups to assert their rights.

November 19, 2009

LECTURE: How Should We Classify Civil Society? A Review of Mainstream and Alternative Approaches

BRIAN PRATT, Director, INTRAC, Oxford, UK

Discussant: Ms.Asiya Sasykbaeva, Director of the International Center “Interbilim”

Abstract: The lecture will consider ways of defining civil society and classifying civil society organisations traditionally used in the “aid industry” (within which so many NGO work as partners/contractors).  These “mainstream” models will be contrasted with approaches that emphasize the autonomy of CSOs.  Finally, the lecture will define five main ‘functions’ of actors within civil society that have significance for democracy and development. For further information on INTRAC’s work on civil society (including papers from a major international conference on CS in December 2008), visit www.intrac.org, or contact our Bishkek office (996 312) 611402, email  ( This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it ).

November 13, 2009

LECTURE: Awakening Tigers and the New Supremacy: Business Interest Representation in Central Asia

Dr. GÜL BERNA ÖZCAN, University of London, London, UK

Abstract: Interest representation and collective action among private business owners is still nascent in Central Asia.  In response to poor legal protection, unjust inspection charges and the arbitrariness of tax and customs duties, small and medium-sized businesses have been relying on individual solutions.  Whilst large businesses exert great influence in shaping the underlying rules of the new markets, small and medium-sized businesses fight back with small solidarity groups.  This presentation will argue that entrepreneurs of Central Asia are seeking new ways to protect their market gains and increase their influence in politics. The talk will provide illustrative cases from Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan.

October 21, 2009

Book presentation: Western Travelers and Scholars about Kyrgyz people and Kyrgyzstan (second half of XIX-early XX centuries)

Author: Dr. Cholpon Turdalieva, Associate Professor, Anthropology Program, AUCA

Synopsis: The period of the second half of XIX-early XX centuries is known not only by its scientific inventions, but also by discoveries of new lands and peoples, which were mainly made under international colonial project. In this light, Central Asia was no exception. Major powers, especially Great Britain and Russia, regarded this region as an important geopolitical and strategic resource for accumulation and distribution of capital. In their imperial projects, military and diplomatic circles of these countries addressed to travelers, scholars and missionaries, who linked distant worlds and continents, different peoples and cultures, new ideas and old concepts.

October 14, 2009

LECTURE: International NGOs in an Unequal World

SREAKER: Dr. Charles Buxton, the Regional Representative of INTRAC (International NGO Training & Research Centre, UK) in Central Asia

Summary of lecture: The lecture will consider the stance and options of International NGOs tackling one of this century’s continuing problems – inequality.  Starting from the concept of “global civil society”, it will look at the position and work of major NGOs and international forums; the problems facing INGOs in the West (as more donor money is channelled through the state); the types of international NGOs involved in programme work in Central Asia and their approach to partnership with local NGOs.   It will consider the approaches available to INGOs determined to tackle poverty more effectively.

Biography: Charles Buxton is the regional representative of INTRAC (International NGO Training & Research Centre, UK) based in Central Asia since 2002.  After working for almost 20 years as a trade union and community activist and voluntary sector manager in London, in 1995 he began a new job as regional manager for the UK’s international volunteer agency VSO in Eastern Europe and former Soviet Union.  He has helped establish and develop civil society programmes around FSU and Central Asia, working as trainer and advisor with many of the most active NGOs in the region.

October 9, 2009

LECTURE: The Size of Government and Economic Growth

SREAKER: Dr. Andrey Illarionov, Former Economic Policy Advisor to the ex-President of Russia, Vladimir Putin and Senior Fellow, the Center for Global Liberty and Prosperity, the Cato Institute

Bio: Dr. Illarionov graduated from the Leningrad State University and received a Ph.D. in Economics from this university in 1987. From 1992 to 1993, he worked as the part-time economic adviser to the Russian Deputy Prime Minister and Acting Prime Minister Yegor Gaidar and acted as the first deputy head of the Economic Reform Centre of the Russian Government. From 1993 to 1994 Dr. Illarionov was the Head of the Analysis and Planning Group of the Chairman of the Council of Ministers and the Government of Russia, Viktor Chernomyrdin. In 1994, he became the vice-president of the Leontyev International Social and Economic Research Centre, and director of the Moscow division. He has created the Institute for Economic Analysis and was its director from 1994 to 2000. During 2000-2005, Dr. Illarionov was the senior economic adviser to the Russian President Vladimir Putin and in May 2000 he became the personal representative of the Russian President in the G8. He played an important role in introducing the low 13% flat income tax in Russia [2] in repaying the Russian foreign debt, in creation the petroleum revenues-based Stabilization Fund of the Russian Federation and in bringing Russia's full-fledged membership in the political G8.

October 7, 2009

LECTURE: The South Korea’s Economic Development during 1960s-1990s: What Can be Learned for Kyrgyzstan?

SREAKER: Dr. Jim Hoare, PhD in Japanese History, Senior Teaching Fellow at the School of Oriental and African  Studies (SOAS)

Synopsis: In the decade after the Korean War (1950-53), the Republic of Korea (South Korea) was one of the poorest countries in the world. In the early 1960s, however, a process began that has led to contemporary South Korea as a country with per capita income levels of over US$20,000, an economy that ranks 11th in the world, and a thriving democracy. This lecture will attempt to show how this happened. There was no magic solution, and methods have changed over time. And the South Korean experience has to be partly explained by the special circumstances of the country. But at the same time, there are factors in South Korean development that can be applied in other countries who seek to build a sound economic base for development.

September 24, 2009

Lecture: COMPARATIVE APPROACHES TO CORRUPTION

Speaker: Dr. LOUISE I. SHELLEY,Professor of Public Policy,Director, Center for Terrorism, Transnational Crime and Corruption Center, George Mason University, USA

Bio: Dr. Shelley received her undergraduate degree cum laude from Cornell University in Penology and Russian literature. She holds an M.A. in Criminology from the University of Pennsylvania. She studied at the Law Faculty of Moscow State University on IREX and Fulbright Fellowships and holds a Ph.D. in Sociology from the University of Pennsylvania. She is the recipient of the Guggenheim, NEH, IREX, Kennan Institute, and Fulbright Fellowships and received a MacArthur Grant to establish the Russian Organized Crime Study Centers. In 1992, she received the Scholar-Teacher prize of American University, USA, the top academic award of the university.

Dr. Louise Shelley joined the School of Public Policy at George Mason University in August 2007. Previously, she was a Professor in the School of International Service and also in the Department of Justice, Law and Society at American University. Dr. Shelley is the founder and Director of the Terrorism, Transnational Crime and Corruption Center (TraCCC) that moved with her from American University. She is a leading expert on transnational crime and terrorism with a particular focus on the former Soviet Union.