ABSTRACT

In this chapter, I discuss social structures and networks in Kyrgyzstan that are important for conflict management. I set out to describe the main actors who are mobilized and requested in case of trouble. I write about the role of family members who, with a great deal of commitment, dedicate themselves to resolving problems. Elders have status and privileges (based on age and experiences equated with wisdom and fairness), that allow them authority to mediate, represent and protect the disputing parties and to bring them successfully to the negotiating table. The discussion of the role of mediating elders focuses attention on the courts of elders, which were established for the regulation of conflicts within communities and villages. Moreover, I show that a number of other ad hoc mediators, bearing special personal and social characteristics, may be asked or hired to intervene in private handling of troubles.