The Red Line 18 - The Geopolitics of Turkmenistan
Jun 1, 2020
Join Peter Leonard, an expert on Central Asia, Naz Nazar, a Turkmen-born journalist, and Alexander Cooley, a political scientist, as they unravel the complexities of Turkmenistan. They explore its paradoxical nature, from its glittering capital's marble architecture amid widespread poverty to the cult of personality surrounding former president Niyazov. The guests discuss Turkmenistan's unique neutrality in a perilous geopolitical landscape and its shifting allegiances, especially towards China, which has become a vital economic partner. Expect surprising insights into this enigmatic nation!
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From Soviet Construct To Gas State
- Turkmenistan was a Soviet-era construct that became known mainly for its gas, not a long-standing nation-state.
- A distinct Turkmen identity has largely formed only in recent decades.
Soviet Legacy Dampened Upheaval
- Older Turkmen remember the late Soviet era as a period of relative prosperity and stability.
- That legacy reduced early post‑Soviet upheaval and eased Turkmenistan's peaceful transition to independence.
Applause Turned A Mild Man Into A Showman
- Peter Leonard recounts watching Berdymukhammedov receive perfunctory applause at a public event.
- He argues constant flattery can make meek leaders start believing their own hype and act grandly.