MONTESQUIEU’S LEGAL DOCTRINES: HISTORICAL FOUNDATIONS, COMPARATIVE PERSPECTIVES, AND CONTEMPORARY RELEVANCE IN CENTRAL ASIA
Keywords:
Montesquieu; separation of powers; rule of law; political liberty; despotism; constitutionalism; comparative legal theory; Central Asia; Uzbekistan; Kazakhstan.Abstract
This article examines Charles-Louis de Montesquieu’s legal doctrines as a foundational stage in the development of modern constitutionalism and comparative legal theory. Special attention is given to his concepts of the “spirit of laws,” the doctrine of separation of powers, political liberty, and his critique of despotism. The study emphasizes Montesquieu’s methodological approach, which integrates historical, social, moral, and geographical contexts, and highlights the relevance of his theories in contemporary constitutional design. Comparative historical examples from France, England, and Central Asia illustrate the practical application of Montesquieu’s principles. Contemporary developments in Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan demonstrate the enduring significance of separation of powers, judicial independence, and legal contextualization. The article concludes that Montesquieu’s doctrines remain essential for understanding and safeguarding the rule of law in diverse societies undergoing political and legal transformation.
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