China, Russia and Mongolia

Paper Summary:

This paper discuss a major scholarly work that examines the eventful history of Russia, Central Asia, and Mongolia. It analyzes David Christian's text, "A History of Russia, Central Asia and Mongolia" and focuses on how climactic realities of the European continental interior produced insulated "warrior" states that were alternately insecure and intrepid in their pursuit of glory and tribute. It describes the toughness of the climate and the curious geography of the continental interior.

From the Paper:

"David Christian has done a marvelous job of capturing the manner in which topography, climate and a few well-placed mountain ranges can produce militarism, insularity, suspicion and, in the case of Russia, comparatively sparse populations. Courtesy this investigation, it becomes evident that many of the unflattering characteristics westerners ascribe to both the Russians and Chinese today are the products of hardscrabble existences in an environment that facilitated military struggle. Beyond that, the geography and topography of Inner Eurasia locked these peoples off from the outside world in such a way that they became insular and inward-looking - a sure prescription for the sort of paranoia and xenophobia that often drives military expansionism and preparedness. In the end, just as scholars once thought that biology determined destiny, so too may it be said that the history of Inner Eurasia has been remarkably shaped by geography."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Christian, David. A History of Russia, Central Asia, and Mongolia, vol.I. Oxford, UK: Blackwell Publishing, 1998.

More papers on China, Russia and Mongolia:

• Book Review # 129988 : "A History of Russia, Central Asia and Mongolia"
• Essay # 88508 : "Economic Reform in Russia and Organized Crime"

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