The emergence of political parties in Kyrgyzstan and Western Europe. Patronage network as a basis for party formation.

Abstract

This thesis investigates the connection between informal networking and its impact on party formation not only in Kyrgyzstan but also in European countries. The paper is divided into three parts each analyzing political party formation in Kyrgyzstan and Portugal. The first chapter deals with political party definitions and their functions. The second chapter discusses party development in Kyrgyzstan and Portugal. The last chapter draws attention to the role of informal networking comparing the formation of political parties in Kyrgyzstan and Portugal.