Turkmenistan

President Saparmurat Niyazov ruled Turkmenistan with nearly full authority. The Democratic Party of Turkmenistan, the sole recognized political party in the nation, was led by him. Niyazov's centralization of power and the absence of political pluralism characterized the political environment. During his presidency, President Niyazov developed a robust cult of personality. He instituted measures to enhance his public persona, including designating days of the week and months after himself. His cult of personality permeated public places, educational institutions, and monuments, solidifying his control over the political and social spheres. Niyazov did not allow for political criticism or resistance; he made choices entirely by himself. This authoritarian rule of Niyazov raised significant human rights concerns. Freedom of the press and freedom of speech were severely restricted, and the government tightly controlled all forms of media. Any daring critics and opposition figures faced persecution and repression. Niyazov's rule led to concerns about the succession plan, as he did not designate a clear successor. This created uncertainty about the country's political future.

Neutrality was declared to be the primary principle of Turkmenistan's foreign policy. The nation's neutrality was mirrored in its foreign policy, as it avoided to involved in military alliances or conflicts in an effort to maintain its status as a non-aligned state.

Niyazov worked to increase Turkmenistan's level of self-sufficiency. He frequently implemented policies that distanced the nation from the outside world, such as banning foreign travel and encouraging homegrown industry. He kept a firm hold on the nation's economy, which included abundant oil resources. The oil and natural gas industries were governed by the government, and international involvement was strictly prohibited. In the energy industry, the state-owned TurkmenGas and Turkmenneft companies were crucial players.