Central Asia Comes Out of the Russian Shadow
The DiplomatIn Central Asia, speaking the Russian language used to be a sign of education, high culture, and a marker of the upper class. The region’s search for language, historic memory, cultural heritage and – above all – dignity outside of Soviet propaganda started two decades ago, but until recently lived mostly among Central Asian scholars and civil society. Except for the Islamic State’s recruitment in the mid 2010s, Russia’s invasion in Ukraine is the largest foreign war where Central Asians are deployed. Russia’s recruitment of Central Asians takes place amid increased efforts by Russia to keep the region loyal to its geopolitical ambitions. One outcome is certain, however; grassroots initiatives to rethink the Soviet past will invariably change Central Asia’s relations with Russia.
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