Weapons of the Wealthy

Predatory Regimes and Elite-Led Protests in Central Asia

Nonfiction, History, Asian, Asia, Social & Cultural Studies, Political Science, Government, Democracy
Cover of the book Weapons of the Wealthy by Scott B. Radnitz, Cornell University Press
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Scott B. Radnitz ISBN: 9780801466144
Publisher: Cornell University Press Publication: July 12, 2012
Imprint: Cornell University Press Language: English
Author: Scott B. Radnitz
ISBN: 9780801466144
Publisher: Cornell University Press
Publication: July 12, 2012
Imprint: Cornell University Press
Language: English

Mass mobilization is among the most dramatic and inspiring forces for political change. When ordinary citizens take to the streets in large numbers, they can undermine and even topple undemocratic governments, as the recent wave of peaceful uprisings in several postcommunist states has shown. However, investigation into how protests are organized can sometimes reveal that the origins and purpose of "people power" are not as they appear on the surface. In particular, protest can be used as an instrument of elite actors to advance their own interests rather than those of the masses.Weapons of the Wealthy focuses on the region of post-Soviet Central Asia to investigate the causes of elite-led protest. In nondemocratic states, economic and political opportunities can give rise to elites who are independent of the regime, yet vulnerable to expropriation and harassment from above. In conditions of political uncertainty, elites have an incentive to cultivate support in local communities, which elites can then wield as a "weapon" against a predatory regime. Scott Radnitz builds on his in-depth fieldwork and analysis of the spatial distribution of protests to demonstrate how Kyrgyzstan's post-independence development laid the groundwork for elite-led mobilization, whereas Uzbekistan's did not.Elites often have the wherewithal and the motivation to trigger protests, as is borne out by Radnitz's more than one hundred interviews with those who participated in, observed, or avoided protests. Even Kyrgyzstan's 2005 "Tulip Revolution," which brought about the first peaceful change of power in Central Asia since independence, should be understood as a strategic action of elites rather than as an expression of the popular will. This interpretation helps account for the undemocratic nature of the successor government and the 2010 uprising that toppled it. It also serves as a warning for scholars to look critically at bottom-up political change.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

Mass mobilization is among the most dramatic and inspiring forces for political change. When ordinary citizens take to the streets in large numbers, they can undermine and even topple undemocratic governments, as the recent wave of peaceful uprisings in several postcommunist states has shown. However, investigation into how protests are organized can sometimes reveal that the origins and purpose of "people power" are not as they appear on the surface. In particular, protest can be used as an instrument of elite actors to advance their own interests rather than those of the masses.Weapons of the Wealthy focuses on the region of post-Soviet Central Asia to investigate the causes of elite-led protest. In nondemocratic states, economic and political opportunities can give rise to elites who are independent of the regime, yet vulnerable to expropriation and harassment from above. In conditions of political uncertainty, elites have an incentive to cultivate support in local communities, which elites can then wield as a "weapon" against a predatory regime. Scott Radnitz builds on his in-depth fieldwork and analysis of the spatial distribution of protests to demonstrate how Kyrgyzstan's post-independence development laid the groundwork for elite-led mobilization, whereas Uzbekistan's did not.Elites often have the wherewithal and the motivation to trigger protests, as is borne out by Radnitz's more than one hundred interviews with those who participated in, observed, or avoided protests. Even Kyrgyzstan's 2005 "Tulip Revolution," which brought about the first peaceful change of power in Central Asia since independence, should be understood as a strategic action of elites rather than as an expression of the popular will. This interpretation helps account for the undemocratic nature of the successor government and the 2010 uprising that toppled it. It also serves as a warning for scholars to look critically at bottom-up political change.

More books from Cornell University Press

Cover of the book Governing Academia by Scott B. Radnitz
Cover of the book The Rise of Universities by Scott B. Radnitz
Cover of the book Impious Fidelity by Scott B. Radnitz
Cover of the book The History of the Five Indian Nations Depending on the Province of New-York in America by Scott B. Radnitz
Cover of the book Murder Most Russian by Scott B. Radnitz
Cover of the book Activists in City Hall by Scott B. Radnitz
Cover of the book Contemporary Slavery by Scott B. Radnitz
Cover of the book A Natural History of Revolution by Scott B. Radnitz
Cover of the book Seductive Reasoning by Scott B. Radnitz
Cover of the book Death and Salvation in Ancient Egypt by Scott B. Radnitz
Cover of the book A Community of Europeans? by Scott B. Radnitz
Cover of the book Fighting for Foreigners by Scott B. Radnitz
Cover of the book Power and Principle by Scott B. Radnitz
Cover of the book Mobilizing Restraint by Scott B. Radnitz
Cover of the book Writing History for the King by Scott B. Radnitz
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy