We will focus on the local and global issues that the five independent republics of Central Asia (Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan) and their adjunct neighbors (Northern Afghanistan, Western China, etc.) are facing.
We will start by locating the region historically and geographically, while also questioning the very notion of Central Asia and the neighboring influences which have shaped the five countries. In terms of topics, we will cover the Soviet legacy, domestic politics, Islam, relations between the State and civil society, economic developments, border dynamics, center-periphery relations, foreign policy, and the role of international actors. When applicable, students will be introduced to theories of political science and international relations to make sense of concrete events going on in Central Asia.
An emphasis will be placed on the various visual data available to study the region. Short videos, artistic initiatives, photographs, and other online resources will be showcased to make the students familiar with the diversity of sources available and infuse the importance of triangulating them.
No background knowledge is necessary to take this course.