The consequences of environmental decline in the Aral Sea region

This project is an investigation into the ecological catastrophe of the Aral Sea region in the former Central Asian republics of the Soviet Union. This will include a presentation of the region and the ecological calamities impacting the land and the various socio-economic and political implications. I will further trace the evolution of political and economic decision-making that led to this disastrous situation. I will outline the failures of socialist ideals that led to environmental destruction and discuss the amplification of these failures under Soviet leaders. Additionally, I will outline the development of the region and the environmental degradation that occurred. I will also address solutions that have been offered to ameliorate this crisis. This project will then focus upon the political implications of these ecological problems for the newly independent republics in Central Asia. I will be presenting ecological factors that have created instability and unrest in these republics and their inability to solve these problems. This project will address assistance from international organizations and other countries, particularly the United States. The conclusion of this paper will focus upon lessons that can be learned from the study of this topic and the implications of crises like this upon politics and our future.