The Soviet Inheritance
Continuities and Departures in Central Asia
Deutsche Fassung
Abstract
The Soviet Union casts long shadows in Central Asia. Despite the disintegration of the Soviet Union and the independence of the five Central Asian countries, 1991 was no “zero hour”. The political elites may well postulate a “renaissance” of culture and a new orientation in politics under the rubric of nation-state, but Soviet traditions continue to have an impact. The Brezhnev era in particular is important. In Central Asia, this “leaden period” was characterised by dynamic processes that remain relevant to this day for the region’s development. During the decades of Communist rule, social, cultural and political trends developed that shape these countries’ politics, economics and society.
(Osteuropa 8-9/2007, pp. 77–98)