Kristie Moore L&S Social Sciences
Perspectives on Multiculturalism and Diversity in Central Asia
In 2010, brutal violence broke out in Southern Kyrgyzstan between ethnic Kyrgyz and Uzbeks. Preceded by decades of mistrust and conflict, this incident is one of the many manifestations of exclusionary nationality policies, discrimination, and interethnic tensions in the region that continue to plague the region today. Through interviews with young people and peacebuilding organizations in Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan–specifically in the cities of Bishkek, Osh, and Tashkent, my research seeks to understand perspectives on multiculturalism, diversity, and interethnic relations. It will specifically consider how young people make sense of government calls for unity, as well as their perceptions of interethnic relations in periods post-conflict. In doing this, my research will depart from existing scholarship, moving away from outdated post-Soviet analyses of nationality and centering young, diverse perspectives. Overall, I hope this research provides more insight into the current state of interethnic relations in the region and presents possibilities for a more peaceful and tolerant future.
Message To Sponsor
I would like to thank my donors for their support of my project. I am excited to begin this research and work towards contributing towards a more nuanced understanding of possible conflict prevention and resolution strategies that can be pursued in Central Asia. As this subject is extremely personal to me, I incredibly grateful to have this opportunity and the funding necessary to carry out my research.