Kyrgyzstan's Two Revolutions And U.S.-Russian Intervention

In April 2010, Kyrgyzstan was once again thrown into violence and disorder as the international community looked on in surprise and dismay. This paper focuses on Kyrgyzstan's second revolution in relation to the 2005 Tulip Revolution, looking at causes behind the volatility, whether they arise from internal or external factors. Study of history and international politics illustrate how large states' interactions and negotiations can indirectly cause instability and conflict in smaller states, making it imperative that we view Kyrgyzstan's political developments from a larger international context.Since the breakup of Soviet Union, Central Asia has never before faced so many challenges as it does today. Present challenges are linked to transformations within the international structure, which in turn, are shaped by events taking place in proximity to Central Asia-U.S. invasion of Iraq and Afghanistan, color revolutions in ex-Soviet countries, the rise of China, and Russia's renewed status as a regional and potential global power. Simultaneously, a 'Great Game' is being played by United States and Russia over Kyrgyz territory, political development and resources.In this geopolitical competition, mistrust and intrigue between states tend to create difficulties not only for the two players, but more for Kyrgyzstan as a small state, lodged between big states wagering diplomatic battles on a grand scale. Kyrgyzstan's two revolutions within mere five years testify to the dangerous game being played by U.S. and Russia. Moreover, Kyrgyzstan is the first and only Central Asian country yet to experience any sort of political revolution. Seeing that Kyrgyz internal politics is heavily affected and shaped by the presence of large states within its borders, this paper seeks to explain an aspect of instability in the Central Asian region, and thus contribute to current understanding of contemporary international politics.