Central Asian States: Then and Now

Uschan Michael V. The Central Asian States: Then and Now. 2015. 80p. ISBN 978-1-60152-694-6. Available at 958 USC on the library shelves.

With wide open spaces, poor soil, and sparsely populated by many different ethnicities, Central Asia has never been able to organize itself into a powerful entity strong enough to resist invaders. Throughout its history, the area has been a transit point for armies moving through on their way to richer lands. Conquered by Persia, dominated by the Mongol Khans, then conquered by the Russian Empire and subjugated under the Soviet Union, the area is now home to five new countries: Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan.

Unfortunately for these newly independent countries, their autocratic communist leaders retained their power during the collapse of the Soviet Union and continue to rule today. This has affected the political life of the inhabitants, limiting their freedoms and their choices. Communism’s legacy has also impacted the economic and social life of the area, leaving it to face an uncertain future.

This is a great read to learn more about a region of the world most Americans are unfamiliar with. Other books in this series include Baltic States, Russian Federation, South Caucasus and Ukraine.