In chapter 2,3, and 8 of “The New Central Asia: Geopolitics and the Birth of Nations,” Olivier Roy analyses the political development of central Asia, from Russian conquests through the reforms of movements among Muslims to the period of “Sovietization” of Central Asia. In Chapter 2, for instance, the author addresses the Russian conquest of central Asia between 1865 to 1920, which was the period that the empire was expanding. Additionally, the section examines Russian influence on Islamic culture where Russian empire considered Muslims as loyal subjects who could embrace the authority’s assimilation ideology. Finally, in this Chapter, Roy the section analyses the advancement of the Russian state in central Europe. He explains the way Russian militaries in this expansion process.

Chapter 3, on the other hand, explores the reforms and movements that were undertaken by the Muslims. Some of the notable transformations that Roy describes in this Chapter touched on religion and identity. Russian empire regarded the reforms as resilient strategies to counter the West’s advancement in the region (35). Further, in this section, Roy highlights Muslim cultures and compares it with other traditions such as the Turkish culture. In that regard, the Chapter covers different forms of religion as well as political influences. The writer further reviews the national communism of Sultan Galiev (45) as well as the Basmach Movement of 1918-1938, which Roy describes as a rural pioneered movement that advocated support for all ethnic groups in the region.

In Chapter 8, Roy offers an impressively eloquent and in-depth analysis of Muslim culture during the period of the Roman empire. He explores the intellectual merits of political reforms that led to the spread of Islamic religion and culture in countries such as Afghanistan and the entire Indian sub-continent.  According to Roy, the era also featured the Turkish-Persians rivalry and the contention between the tribal zone and the more significant urban converts (143). A group of Muslims, Sufism, and political radicalism arose during the period.

Work cited

Roy, Olivier. The new Central Asia: Geopolitics and The Birth of Nations. IB Tauris, 2007.