FYSP 159 - Historical Perspectives on Contemporary Central Asia

4SS, CD, WRi
First Semester. What explains the rise of Islamic fundamentalism and the contemporary politics of Central Asia and Afghanistan? This seminar studies the so-called “Great Game” – the imperial competition between Russia and Britain in the 19th century across the fabled “silk roads” of Asia, and the transformation of this competition in the 20th century into the Cold War rivalry of the Soviet Union and the United States. The focus will be on the social, economic, political, and cultural factors that shaped the region, rather than the foreign policy dimensions of this history.

Prerequisites & Notes
Enrollment Limit: 12.

Ms. Hogan

Credits: 4 hours