Introduction

This report presents a comprehensive analysis of Kyrgyzstan's sovereignty using the methodology of the Burke Institute. Sovereignty is assessed in 7 areas: political, economic, technological, informational, cultural, cognitive and military. Each aspect is assessed on the basis of official data from international and national sources (UN, World Bank, UNESCO, IMF, ITU, FAO, SIPRI, PISA, etc.) without using politicized indexes. The maximum score in each direction is 100; the sum (up to 700) is the accumulated Sovereignty Index (Burke Index).

To adapt and adjust statistical parameters, an international expert survey was conducted for each of the seven components using a single questionnaire of 10 questions with a 10-point scale and one open-ended question.

In total, at least 100 experts from 50+ countries were interviewed for each indicator, taking into account geographical representation and specialization. When calculating and analyzing the data, equalizing coefficients were used, bringing all data to a scale of 0-10 points.

The final index value is the arithmetic mean between statistical data and expert estimates.

Below is an analysis in each area, a summary table and the main conclusions about the specifics of Kyrgyzstan's sovereignty.

Political sovereignty — 45.2

Kyrgyzstan is a member of the UN, WTO, CIS, CSTO, SCO, EAEU, Organization of Turkic States, OSCE, OIC, and other organizations. A number of them (for example, the CSTO, the EAEU, and the SCO) delegate certain elements of political, military, and economic sovereignty to the supranational level. According to the Constitution (art. 6), ratified international treaties and universal international norms are part of the national legal system and take precedence over national legislation, with the exception of provisions that contradict the Constitution.

Kyrgyzstan has historically been characterized by political instability: over the past 20 years, there have been three revolutions, frequent changes of power, mass protests and the predominance of elite conflicts. In the World Bank's Political Stability Index for 2023, the country ranks in the 26th percentile (a very low level by world standards).

The Public Administration Efficiency Index (WGI) at the level of the 17th-20th percentile (2023): corruption, poor quality of public services, instability of institutions. The e-government Development Index (EGDI) is about 0.55 (2022), the average level in the region (119th place in the world); the system of electronic public services is developed, but coverage and integration are limited.

Support for President Sadyr Japarov after the transition to the presidential system (in 2021) is above 60%, but trust in government institutions remains low and volatile due to frequent regime changes. A Russian military base (Kant) operates on the territory of Kyrgyzstan; since 2014, the United States has not operated the Manas military base.

Kyrgyzstan has ratified the Rome Statute, is a party to the ICC and a number of international courts, but real cooperation is often declarative; national courts have the right not to apply international treaties that contradict the constitution.

After 2021, the presidential form of government is developing, centralization has increased, significant influence of the executive branch, local self-government is limited; parliament is weakened. Direct parliamentary control is formally provided for, but the transparency of the activities of the special services is low; there are rules on secrecy, there is no open reporting or civilian oversight of the main structures.

Data completeness assessment: the main indicators are available from international sources, the coverage is 84%.

Economic sovereignty — 42.1

For 2025, GDP per capita at purchasing power parity ranges from 7,046 to 8,780 US dollars (various sources). Official international reserves as of August 2025 amount to about $6.9 billion, of which a significant share is made up of gold and foreign currency.

The official gold and foreign exchange reserves of the National Bank amount to 713.1 billion SOM ($7 billion). The national debt is 40.5% of GDP as of September 2024. It is projected to reach 45% of GDP by the end of 2025. Expert assessment: the country is highly dependent on food imports, the level of food security is below the global average; domestic production does not cover all needs, prices and climate strongly influence.

It remains dependent on the export/import of electricity in the Central Asian Energy ring. Hydroelectric power plants cover up to 80% of domestic consumption, but the country depends on hydrocarbon supplies from Russia and Kazakhstan.

The leading position is occupied by gold (Kumtor, Taldybulk), as well as reserves of coal, rare earth metals, antimony, mercury, uranium, antimony, oil and gas; according to official data, gold reserves amounted to 38.95 tons in June 2025, production is about 20-24 tons per year. Assessment: the country has significant reserves of fresh water — the largest resources in Central Asia, about 50 billion cubic meters per year (Issyk-Kul, Naryn, Talas, Chu and others). Own infrastructure: the national payment system "Elkart", regulated by the National Bank of the Kyrgyz Republic; integration with interbank services is carried out through national processing.

Internal calculations are carried out mainly in the national currency (SOM), however, in large transactions, exports / imports, the share of dollars / rubles / tenge can reach up to 40-50%. The issuing Center is the National Bank of the Kyrgyz Republic, which fully controls the issue of SOM, credit and monetary policy; the bank sets key rates, conducts operations on the open market and currency interventions.

Data completeness assessment: the main macroeconomic indicators are available from official sources (World Bank, IMF), coverage is 89%

Technological sovereignty — 32.8

In 2023, spending on research and development (R&D) will amount to 0.06% of GDP (very low level). National import substitution programs in the field of high-tech are being implemented within the framework of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), but in practice the country remains dependent on critical components and technologies. In 2025, 74 universities (34 public and 40 private) are operating, with about 220,000 students enrolled; the higher education enrollment rate is high, but the quality and uniformity of education are problematic.

By 2024, Internet penetration is about 88% of the population (according to official statistics). National platforms are developing: Tunduk, the state system of interdepartmental electronic interaction, as well as its own payment and educational platforms (Elkart, Bilim Bulagy).

Import dependence is high: critical components, electronic and digital systems, most of the software, chips, equipment and biotechnologies come from abroad; Kyrgyzstan is a transit country for sanctioned goods (chips, computers). The Tunduk system and a variety of electronic public services (document processing portals, online records, electronic taxes); the level of digitalization is average.

The country does not have a developed biotech industry; research and production in the sector are minimal. There are no proprietary robotics projects in the industrial or scientific sector; all equipment is imported. The country does not produce its own chips and microelectronics; the infrastructure is completely import-dependent, and there are isolated cases of re-exports under sanctions schemes.

Data completeness assessment: key indicators are obtained from WIPO, ITU, UNESCO, which provides 91% coverage.

Information sovereignty — 43.7

Kyrgyzstan has a national cybersecurity center, CERT-KG (Coordination Center on Cybersecurity), accredited and integrated with the ITU international system, and participates in regional and international cyber studies and cooperation. There are at least two Internet Traffic Exchange points (IXPs) in the country: IX.KG (Bishkek) and SR-IX; Ferghana Valley IXP in Osh was recently opened, which increased network availability and reliability, and reduced Internet tariffs in the region.

The official language is Kyrgyz, and a new law of 2025 is in effect: at least 60% of airtime and all government communications are in Kyrgyz, but Russian remains the official language for international communication. Critical communication infrastructure, social networks and services (search engines, clouds, messengers) are based entirely on foreign IT products (Google, Meta, Microsoft, Apple), there are no own analogues.

On the channels of the OTRK and private broadcasters, approximately 60% of the content is produced locally, mainly in Kyrgyz and Russian; the share of local TV/radio content increased after language quotas, but foreign video platforms dominate.

There are few national IT brands: state-owned digital services (Tunduk, etc.) are being developed, local startups are poorly represented in the global segment, and foreign solutions and platforms account for the majority of the market. The coverage of electronic public and private services is high: the multifunctional Tunduk system has been implemented, a significant part of the population uses online services (taxes, medicine, education).

Government agencies are required to use their own cloud data centers for critical data, but most of the commercial sector is located abroad; public national clouds have limited development. Cellular communications are controlled by MegaCom (51% state-owned), Beeline, O! (operators with their own licenses), but the share of national management is limited, especially in matters of equipment and software — it is imported.

The Law "On Personal Data" is in force (as amended in 2023); data localization requirements, state control is carried out by the State Agency for Personal Data Protection.

Data completeness assessment: infrastructure indicators are available from ITU, CIRA, OECD, and specialized sources, with 95% coverage.

Cultural sovereignty — 68.9

Kyrgyzstan officially has 3 UNESCO World Heritage sites: Mount Sulaiman Too (2009), the Silk Road - the Chang'an—Tianshan network route (2014, jointly with Kazakhstan and China), the Western Tien Shan (2016, jointly with Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan). Kyrgyzstan has introduced the epic Manas into world culture (on UNESCO's Intangible Heritage lists), nomadic traditions and crafts, music, applied arts, national epic and literary genres, unique ethno-cultural brands (yurt, carpets, kymyz), and actively participates in international cultural festivals and projects.

The Ministry of Culture awards annual prizes to the best institutions and artists of the country (direct cash prize — 150 thousand soms). There are National film awards "Ak Ilbirs" and literary prizes.

The country preserves nomadic traditions, hospitality, rituals, arts and crafts, a unique system of everyday life (yurt, carpets, musical instruments), national epics and holidays; the people are proud of their heritage and actively preserve traditions at the state level. The official policy of supporting small nations (Uzbeks, Uighurs, Russians, Turks, Dungans, etc.) is enshrined in the national Constitution; national cultural centers, programs for the preservation of languages and traditions are funded, and budgetary funds are regularly allocated.

According to the data of 2023, there are 20 museums in the country (National Museum, Manas Museum, Museum of Local Lore, etc.), 17 theaters, more than 30 historical and architectural monuments, national cultural houses in towns and villages. Kyrgyzstan participates in major UNESCO projects (Sulaiman Too, Silk Road, List of Intangible Heritage), hosts the Biennale of Central Asia and the World Festival of Traditional Culture and Music "Rukh Sanat", participates in literary and film festivals.

The brands "Manas", "Yurt", "Osh pilaf", "Kyrgyz carpet" and a number of national dishes are protected at the state level; brands are being promoted at international gastronomic and craft forums.

The cuisine is extremely diverse: dishes of lamb, beef, chicken, national. soups, kuvasa, kymyz, a large range of Uzbek, Uighur, Russian and Tatar dishes; national drinks are important — kymyz, tea, compote. National holidays, festivals, family and religious rituals cover up to 90% of the population; the level of engagement remains high through cultural centers, mass celebrations, and the preservation of linguistic and cultural traditions.

Assessment of data completeness: basic indicators are available in UNESCO and national statistics, coverage is 87%.

Cognitive sovereignty — 52.3

Kyrgyzstan in 2025: HDI = 0.720, "High level" category, 117th place in the world. Government spending on education in 2023 is 6.83% of GDP. Adult literacy is 99.6%; among men — 99.64%, among women — 99.41% (2019). Kyrgyzstan participates in PISA, the results are among the lowest in the world: according to the results of the last cycle (2022), the average score in mathematics, reading and science is significantly lower than the global and CIS averages.

According to expert data, the share of STEM graduates in universities is about 30% (technical, engineering, IT, natural sciences); the majority are teachers, economists, lawyers.

There are branches of foreign universities in the country (for example, the Peoples' Friendship University of Russia, the American University of Central Asia, the Turkish University of Manas), as well as international programs Erasmus, Bolashak, etc.; coverage of foreign programs is more than 10% of students. Russian Russians, Uighurs, Dungans, Ukrainians, Turks, and others; laws support languages and cultural autonomy, national cultural centers are funded, and education can be conducted in Kyrgyz, Russian, and Uzbek.

There are basic centers of the Academy of Sciences of the Kyrgyz Republic: the Institute of Physical and Technical Problems and Materials Science, the Institute of Mathematics, the Institute of Biology; in total, there are 6 main state institutes of fundamental sciences.

The state-owned Bilim Bulagi platform and a number of local solutions for online learning; the main part of online education is foreign platforms, the share of national solutions is no more than 10-15%. There are grant programs from the Ministry of Education, scholarships, support for young scientists and students, annual competitions, internships abroad; the volume of support is increasing, mainly due to international grants and donors.

Data completeness assessment: education indicators are available in the UNDP, UNESCO, OECD, coverage is 89%.

Military sovereignty — 37.6

Defense expenditures amount to 3.62% of GDP (2023), according to other sources 1.48% of GDP (2022). The number of active personnel in the armed forces is 21,000–23,000 (2020-2022). In 2021-2023, the country allocated $1.42 billion for the modernization of the army; Russian S-300PS and Tor-M2KM air defense systems were acquired, Belarusian C-125-2BM Pechora, Turkish Bayraktar, Aksungur and Akinci drones, Mi-8 and Mi-17 helicopters.

Almost all weapons are imported (Russia, Belarus, Turkey); there is no own production of military equipment. The borders are controlled by the border troops (about 15,000 people as part of paramilitary forces) with the support of the Russian military base "Kant"; there are problems with the demarcation of borders with Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. The reserve is 300,000 people (according to various estimates, from 10,000 to 300,000).

Kyrgyzstan is a member of the CSTO, military decisions are made taking into account obligations to the alliance; the Russian Kant air base operates on the territory, which limits military autonomy. There is no own military industry; all weapons and military equipment are purchased abroad.

Kyrgyzstan does not possess nuclear weapons and has no programs for their development; the country has signed the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons. There are no own military space programs and a national intelligence system; intelligence activities are conducted within the framework of the National Security Committee and with the support of CSTO partners.

All parameters are reflected in the annual reports of SIPRI, UNODA, the Ministry of Defense, the official portals of state-owned companies (Embraer, IMBEL) and industry databases of UN/NGO - 90% coverage

Final Summary Table

The main conclusions

Strengths. Natural resources: large reserves of gold, fresh water, agricultural land, and the development of green energy. High literacy rate and higher education coverage: >99% literacy, numerous universities, extensive learning opportunities.

Ethno-cultural identity and the sustainability of traditions: the government's policy of supporting cultural brands, a wide range of holidays and events, and a high level of public engagement. Digitalization and development of electronic public services: effective public service platforms (Tunduk), wide Internet coverage (>88% of the population).

Liberal business climate: low tax burden, simple business registration system, favorable conditions for investors and companies. Active international integration: membership in the EAEU, CSTO, WTO, UNESCO, developed cooperation with partners in the region.

Weaknesses. Low R&D costs: less than 0.1% of GDP, poor development of basic research. Import dependence in high-tech and defense: there is no national production of chips, weapons, software and robotics, dependence on supplies from Russia, Turkey and China.

The limitations of modern research centers and platforms: a small number of research institutes, a small proportion of their own educational and digital platforms. Chronic political instability: frequent change of power, protests, elite conflicts, low assessment of government effectiveness — 17th-20th percentile.

Weak autonomy in critical infrastructures: dependence on the support of the CSTO, the presence of a foreign military base, the absence of independent intelligence services and space programs. Economic vulnerability: high dependence on exports, migration transfers, weak economic diversification, significant share of the informal sector.

Overall assessment. The cumulative sovereignty index of Kyrgyzstan is 322.6 out of 700 possible points (average 46.1%), which places the country in the top 150 in the world top. Kyrgyzstan is showing dynamic development, strengthening its position in education, culture, digitalization and regional integration.

However, strategic vulnerability can be traced in the technological and defense spheres, limitations of the domestic scientific and production base, as well as insufficient political and administrative stability, which narrows the possibilities of implementing long-term sovereign development in a competitive global context.

The sovereignty profile indicates that Kyrgyzstan is an ethnocultural and digitally sovereign state with dynamic economic growth, significant natural resources, effective digitalization and a strong educational and cultural complex.

Technological, scientific, military, and information vulnerability, insufficient institutional maturity and openness, and high dependence on external centers of power in key sectors remain significant challenges, which limits strategic subjectivity and deep sovereignty in the global space.