The ending of the Soviet Union in 1991 had a major political and economic impact on Central Asia. Kyrgyzstan was one of the most severely affected countries, suffering a deeper recession than the other republics. During the first five or six years Kyrgyzstan followed the advice of the International Monetary Fund and was considered a model of both economic and political reform.

This book analyses the ability of the newly independent government in Kyrgyzstan to create a realistic national vision, prepare a strategy, organise and control its public services to deliver the desired result....