Chapter 10.5, Problem 1RQ

To determine

The distribution of fossil fuels that influences the economic and social development in Central Asia.

Answer to Problem 1RQ

Both oil and natural gas deposits, as well as the corresponding infrastructure (pipelines) have attracted significant foreign investments. This has led to the substantial growth of (selected) urban areas with corresponding gains in some other forms of infrastructure. In turn, these monies have been used, to a certain degree to improve health and education practices.

Explanation of Solution

Central Asian Economies in Global Context:

Many foreign countries are attracted to the natural resources of Central Asia. A massive pipeline system needs to be constructed to make the fossil fuel fields of the region economically viable. The existing pipelines are inadequate and most of them mostly pass through Russia, which charges high transportation fees. An alternative route made by an international association pushed through the enormous Baku–Tbilisi–Ceyhan pipeline which transits oil from the Caspian Basin to a Turkish port on the Mediterranean Sea. It is the second-longest oil pipeline in the world opened in $2006$ at a cost of $\$3.9$ billion.

China is greatly interested in the natural resources of this region and commissioned the Central Asia–China gas pipeline, which connects wells in Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, and Kazakhstan to the Chinese market. The construction of third pipeline of this project was completed in $2014$, and fourth pipeline construction is expected to start within a few years. China has also financed greatly in regional infrastructure, as Kazakhstan hopes to upgrade its deteriorating transportation network. China is now the top trading partner of Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Turkmenistan.

Russia hopes to retain its former Central Asian Soviet republics in its sphere of influence. One of its main strategies is the Eurasian Economic Union, a closely related trading coalition that started in $2015$. This union currently includes Russia, Kazakhstan, Armenia, Belarus, and Kyrgyzstan. Tajikistan has also been in discussions to join the union but both Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan rejected the idea.

Social Development in Central Asia:

Social conditions vary more than economic conditions in Central Asia. Afghanistan fairs poorly, but the levels of health and education are relatively high in former Soviet republics. The social conditions have developed in Tibet and Xinjiang, even though not on par with China proper. Mongolia is famous for its comparatively high levels of social development and prominent gender equity.

1. a. Social Conditions and the Status of Women in Afghanistan: Life expectancy is about $45$ years, which is one of lowest in the world. The infant and child mortality rates remain extremely high. Illiteracy is common, especially for women. Women in general have very little freedom where most activities are restricted. Afghanistan’s new constitution $(2004)$ promises improved social position of women, but little gains have been registered.
2. b. Gender Issues in Mongolia and Former Soviet Central Asia: Traditionally, social position of women varied significantly. Women had more autonomy in pastoral societies of northern steppe than in agricultural and urban societies of the south. In some locations, such as Kyrgyzstan, “bride abduction” was practiced, which involves kidnapped women forced to marry their abductors and this practice is increasing. Under communist rule, efforts were made to educate women and place them in workforce. In some areas, attempts are being made to prevent women from gaining education or employment.