In name only? The effect of color revolutions on press freedom in Georgia and Kyrgyzstan
In name only? The effect of color revolutions on press freedom in Georgia and Kyrgyzstan

Summary/Abstract: Regime change through popular uprising may be seen as a triumph of democracy in the short run, but does it always lead to political and social transformation? This study examined press freedom as a democracy indicator in Georgia and Kyrgyzstan six months before and after the “color revolutions” in these countries. A content analysis of 614 political news articles revealed that limited changes occurred in Kyrgyzstan’s press freedom, while no statistically significant changes were observed in Georgia. The findings were then compared with external press freedom ratings for both countries. The results suggest that “color revolutions” have not led to immediate structural changes and may be “revolutions” in name only.

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