Central Asia and the Middle East Are Still Haunted by Their Colonial Pasts

While Central Asian and Middle Eastern states share many similarities, they are distinguished by key differences. The reason for this divergence can be found in the regions’ colonial past.

by Raymond Hinnebusch and Sally Cummings

When the Arab Spring erupted in late 2011, many analysts predicted the violence would spread to Central Asia. Like many Middle Eastern states, Central Asian republics are largely authoritarian, neo-patrimonial, and penetrated by outside powers. In both regions, borders have been drawn by imperial powers, cutting a…