A Ghostly Presence
This text discusses the image of the state in Uzbekistan, as it emergesfrom and shapes interactions between common citizens andrepresentatives of the state. In regard to the public service, theauthor suggests we best imagine Uzbekistan as an elusive state. Thiselusiveness becomes apparent through a sense of removal of the statefrom the population and is mirrored in the often demanding behaviour ofpublic servants together with the petitioning posture assumed by peoplewho are turning to the state. Those who decide to make a career withinthe state must first overcome the distance between state and society,which is mainly of a temporal nature. Having assimilated to their newenvironment, they can begin to harvest their reward by using illegalmeans.