Pipe Dreams: Water and Empire in Central Asia's Aral Sea Basin

The drying up of the Aral Sea was caused by the irrigation age of the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, when engineers, scientists, politicians, and entrepreneurs believed that universal scientific knowledge and modern technologies could transform large areas of the planet from wasteland into productive agricultural land. Maya K. Peterson examines how both the tsarist and Soviet regimes used irrigation-age fantasies to claim legitimacy in Central Asia.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 421 pages
Publication date: 29 July 2021
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

The Aral Sea's tragic drying up, a significant environmental disaster of the late twentieth century, can be traced back to the dreams of the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, an era when engineers, scientists, politicians, and entrepreneurs worldwide believed that universal scientific knowledge and modern technologies could transform vast regions of the planet from barren wastelands into fertile agricultural land. While ostensibly aimed at bringing modernity, progress, and prosperity to the deserts, the transformation of Central Asia's landscapes through tsarist- and Soviet-era hydraulic projects carried the hallmarks of a colonial experiment. In her insightful book, Maya K. Peterson delves into the history of Russia's conquest and rule of Central Asia, offering a fresh perspective on how both regimes employed irrigation-age fantasies of bringing the deserts to life as a means of asserting legitimacy in the region.

The late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries witnessed a remarkable era of irrigation development, driven by the belief that universal scientific knowledge and modern technologies could transform vast arid regions into productive agricultural land. This vision was shared by engineers, scientists, politicians, and entrepreneurs across the globe, who united in their pursuit of modernizing the deserts. The Tsarist and Soviet regimes in Central Asia were no exception to this trend. They saw the transformation of the region's landscapes through hydraulic projects as a means of asserting their authority and legitimacy.

The Tsarist regime in Russia, in particular, embarked on a series of ambitious hydraulic projects in Central Asia during the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. These projects aimed to control the region's rivers and water resources, which were essential for agriculture and economic development. The construction of dams, canals, and irrigation systems was seen as a way to bring modernity and progress to the deserts, which were often perceived as backward and isolated.

However, the transformation of Central Asia's landscapes through hydraulic projects carried the hallmarks of a colonial experiment. The Tsarist regime imposed its control over the region's water resources, and the local populations were often marginalized and exploited. The projects were often implemented without regard for the environmental consequences, leading to the depletion of aquifers, soil erosion, and the loss of biodiversity.

The Soviet regime, which took over Central Asia in the aftermath of World War II, continued to pursue hydraulic projects in the region. However, it did so with a different approach. The regime saw hydraulic projects as a means of consolidating its control over the region and promoting socialist ideals. The construction of dams, canals, and irrigation systems was seen as a way to modernize the economy and improve the living standards of the local populations.

Despite the different motivations behind the hydraulic projects, they had similar environmental consequences. The depletion of aquifers, soil erosion, and the loss of biodiversity continued to be a concern. The projects also led to the displacement of thousands of people, as they were forced to relocate to new areas to make way for the construction of dams and irrigation systems.

In addition to the environmental consequences, the hydraulic projects also had political and social implications. The construction of dams and irrigation systems was often accompanied by the displacement of local communities, who were forced to abandon their traditional livelihoods and way of life. This displacement often led to social unrest and resentment, as the local populations felt that their voices were not being heard and that their interests were being ignored by the central government.

Despite these challenges, the hydraulic projects continued to be pursued by the Tsarist and Soviet regimes in Central Asia. The belief in the transformative power of modern technologies and scientific knowledge drove these projects, and they were seen as a means of asserting the authority and legitimacy of the regimes. However, the long-term consequences of these projects were undeniable, and they continue to be a source of concern for environmentalists, policymakers, and the local populations.

In conclusion, the drying up of the Aral Sea is a tragic reminder of the environmental consequences of pursuing hydraulic projects without regard for the long-term consequences. The transformation of Central Asia's landscapes through tsarist- and Soviet-era hydraulic projects carried the hallmarks of a colonial experiment, with the local populations often marginalized and exploited. The long-term consequences of these projects, including the depletion of aquifers, soil erosion, and the loss of biodiversity, continue to be a source of concern for environmentalists, policymakers, and the local populations. It is essential to learn from the mistakes of the past and to pursue sustainable development practices that prioritize the protection of the environment and the well-being of the local communities.

Weight: 644g
Dimension: 269 x 228 x 29 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781108468541