CENTRAL ASIA HAS BEEN HOME TO THE WORLD'S MOST DESPOTIC AUTOCRATS SINCE DECADES. HERE'S HOW.
The Soviet Union dissolved in 1991 leaving behind a plethora of republics in Central Asia & Eastern Europe. The aftereffects in both these reasons were starkly contrasting. Today I will throw light on the Asian sphere whereas the Eastern one will be discussed in detail tomorrow.
MIGHTY USSR- TERRITORY (source WorldAtlas)
The states to the south of Russia shall be described today. After gaining their independence, these states initially transitioned from soviet central control to liberalized markets and from communist strongholds to free democracies. However these changes were mostly on paper. In reality, these states were seized by kleptocrats (dictators who seek power to enhance personal wealth and prestige).
CENTRAL ASIAN NATIONS
CENTRAL ASIA MAP {source the diplomat}
KAZAKHSTAN: Since 2011, Kazakhstan has morphed itself from a totalitarian state to a much more free democracy. Still many experts believe the elections may have been rigged but the progress made has been obvious. Its economy is heavily reliant on petroleum and natural resources. majority of its vast landmass is arid (desert). The major language & religion are Russian & Islam respectively.
UZBEKISTAN: It is the most populous nation of Central Asia. It is one of the most developed nations having a grand cultural capital like Tashkent.. The nation is one of the only three double landlocked countries on earth, the other being Austria and Switzerland. Agriculture is the backbone of its economy.
TURKMENISTAN: A country still under dictatorship , its perhaps the most backward in terms of political advancement. Its also been ignorant about the COVID pandemic due to the whims of its leader. Its in the ten most censored countries in the world. Although rich in hydrocarbon, its resources have been mismanaged.
KYRGYZSTAN & TAJIKISTAN: These are the most remote and poor nations in central Asia. Their landscape is full of mountains. Almost two-third of both the nation's GDP comprises of remittances from its workers abroad!
GEOPOLITICS OF CENTRAL ASIA
Russia has a stronghold in this region especially in Russian speaking Kazakhstan.Being the epicenter of USSR, Russia had enjoyed hegemony in this region till 2000. Putin has taken steps like enhanced trade relations & stronger military to keep these nations its close allies.
USA realized the importance of Central Asia to keep Russia in check. Later, it also served as a base for its endeavors in Iran, Iraq and Afghanistan. Hence, American FDI & aid has improved considerably.
China has been a late comer to the party. It shares no ethnic or historical links to this region but its status as an economic giant has helped it to secure its interests, The One Belt One Road Initiative of China has also established strong trade routes especially in Kyrgyzstan.
Turkey also has a certain level of influence mostly because of cultural, religious and ethnic ties.
The Indian Air Force has a military base in Turkmenistan. It also has good diplomatic relations with all these nations.
GEOPOLITICS; A GAME OF MIND CHESS
MY CONCLUSIONS:
The main reason for lack of development in this region has been its leaders. They have exerted crony capitalism and looted their own people.
China can outmaneuver Russia and other players due to its ambitious OBOR programme which can act as a debt trap for these nations.
The main reason America has allowed Autocracy to flourish here is to protect its own interests in Afghanistan & Iran.
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