Strokes of Criminal Policy in Central Asian Countries: From Soviet Legacy to Modern Standards. Can Eastern Mentality Be Overcome?

Abstract

This article explores the evolution of criminal policy in the Central Asian states since their independence from the Soviet Union. It highlights the divergence in legal development paths, shaped by historical, cultural, political, and socio-economic factors unique to each country. The analysis examines the preservation of Soviet legal frameworks in the early stages, the varying degrees of repressive policies, and the eventual shifts towards modernization under the influence of domestic and international pressures. Particular attention is paid to the interplay between traditional "Eastern mentality" and contemporary legal standards. The author discusses notable reforms and persisting challenges in the criminal justice systems of Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan, and Tajikistan, emphasizing the balance these nations must strike between progress and tradition.