Ten Years after Ethnic Conflict in Southern Kyrgyzstan: Socio-Economic Causes and Effects

Abstract

In June 2010, a fierce ethnic conflict erupted in southern Kyrgyzstan, causing heavy casualties and property damage. The ethnic conflict occurred for both historical reasons and realistic backgrounds, especially the policy mistakes of the interim government. This article analyses the causes and effects of this ethnic conflict based on relevant information and reports that have been disclosed by international media. This ethnic conflict not only caused a huge negative impact on the social stability of Kyrgyzstan, but also worsened the security situation in Central Asia. At present, with the national conflict as a lesson, the governments of Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan are working hard to improve the relationship between the two countries and the two major ethnic groups.