Central Asia: From the Ancient Silk Road to the 21st Century

Central Asia has been the crossroads where "east" meets "west" for over 2,000 years. Yet, this important region is still unfamiliar to many Americans. Goods, ideas, religions, and artistic and architectural styles spread over the “silk roads,” important trade routes that crossed the region. Legendary cities emerged. Regimes from Greece, Persia, Mongolia, and Russia all fought to control it. Now, it is a key area on China's large "Belt and Road Initiative" and the war in Ukraine complicates the relations in the region. This presentation by Norm Moline, Professor Emeritus at Augustana College, will review the history, current situation, and physical geography - which includes some of the world’s highest mountains, vast grasslands, and deserts – of this crucial and fascinating place.