The sub-national roots of authoritarianism: Neopatrimonialism and territorial administration in Uzbekistan

This article examines how neopatrimonial relationships within the state's territorial administration support the rise and institutionalization of authoritarian rule. Using the case of Uzbekistan, it explores how neopatrimonialism within the state infrastructure halts political and economic reform, undermines the rule of law, and diminishes social welfare provision to the public. This case provides important lessons for other post-Communist countries: permitting neopatrimonial relationships to flourish within the territorial administration may provide useful sources of support by binding provincial elites to the regime, but over the long-term they further entrench authoritarianism and sow seeds of instability.