"Central Asia, long obscured by Russian and Chinese domination, has recently reappeared on the map of the world ... and it remains to be seen what economic and political directions it will follow." (Rowntree, et al., Chapter 10)
- This chapter introduces Central Asia, including Mongolia, Afghanistan, and six countries that were part of the former Soviet Union: Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. It also includes two autonomous provinces of China—Xinjiang and Tibet—that are culturally distinct from the rest of China. You should become familiar with the historical cohesion of this region, along with its pivotal role in the evolution of Eurasia.
- Central Asia is the only world region lacking any ocean access. It also includes the Himalayas, the world's tallest mountains. You should understand the effect of continentality and terrain on climate patterns as well as the economic significance of its landlocked location.
- Upon completion of this chapter, you should be familiar with the physical, demographic, cultural, political, and economic characteristics of Central Asia. In addition, you should understand the following concepts and models:
- Environmental geography
- Steppes, deserts, and threatened lakes; Desertification; Physical regions.
- Population and settlement
- Highland population and subsistence patterns; Lowland population and subsistence patterns; Population issues; Urbanization.
- Cultural coherence and diversity
- Historical overview; Contemporary linguistic and ethnic geography; Ethnicity in Afghanistan; Religion, including Islam and Buddhism; Central Asian culture in global context.
- Geopolitical framework
- Partioning of the steppes; Communist rule; Post-Soviet independence; Western China; Afghanistan; Islamic fundamentalism; Border conflicts; Role of neighboring countries.
- Economic and social development
- Post-Communist economies; Tibet and Xinjiang; Global context; Social development; Women in Afghanistan; Social conditions in former Soviet republics and in western China.
