Post-Soviet Central Asia: Diversified Realities in a Global Context

Workshop Presentation
Monica Ketchum,  Alison Ollinger Riefstahl,  Heather Christensen  

Independence, whether gained in the long nineteenth century or granted in the post-WWII era, is a watershed moment for fledgling nations. Selecting national symbols, establishing capitals, and choosing the official language(s) all play a role in projecting an image to the world. Independence offers nations the opportunity to rewrite--or reframe--history, in order to create a national narrative. As newly independent nations seek to establish their global position, they must decide which facets of their identity to promote internally and externally. Three Fulbright-Hays scholars will share how their project in Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan informed their understanding of independence in the Americas and the diverse realities burgeoning nations confront. The workshop includes exploration of lesson plans that consider the designing of purposeful capital cities in Central Asia, the Americans, and Australia; the language of independence-past, present, and future-with an emphasis on Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and the US borderlands; and creating national narratives: historical, inspirational, and aspirational. Attendees will have access to dynamic resources, including lesson plans, created by the presenters.