Challenges of Social Cohesion and Tensions in Communities on the Kyrgyz-Tajik Border

The report is dedicated to the problems of social cohesion and conflicts on the Kyrgyzstan-Tajikistan border after countries’ independence. Based on the methodology of Knowledge Attitude and Practice, the study analyzes actors and spaces that play a vital role in shaping the social cohesion of border communities. On the basis of in-depth interviews and living with families in border villages, the research analyzes two case studies. The first case study examines the communities of Dostuk villages (Kyrgyzstan) and Chor (Tajikistan) through the prism of transformation of the border regime and the construction of a new transport infrastructure. The second case studies the implications of the Soviet agrarian policy and the impact of entrepreneurial networks on social cohesion between the communities of Kara-Bak (Kyrgyzstan) and Lacon (Tajikistan).

This report was commissioned by University of Central Asia in the framework of the project "Reducing conflict over water and pastures in Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan" supported by United States Institute of Peace. The views expressed in this report belong to the author and do not necessarily reflect those of the University of Central Asia and United Stated Institute of Peace.