Drug Trade on the Old Silk Road Concentric Zone Theory & Strain Theory

Drug Control In Central Asia Along the old Silk Road, in the areas divided by ethnic identities and under separate administrations under the Soviet Union, socioeconomic differences between the few educated are vast (Marat, 2006, p. 94, 95). Moreover, Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan are transition zones (Hilton, 2002, “Central Asia”). People fight for survival based upon region. Rules and norms differ.

Policy, Post-Independence & Diversity Under the current governments, people like the Muslims in Uzbekistan have been targeted for their beliefs (Hilton, 2002, “U.S. State”). Since the U.S. identified Islamic ties with the drug trade in Central Asia, Uzbekistan has regulated Muslim worship, trained dogs to target drug trade and political dissidents (“U.S. State”). Previously marginalized under the Soviet government, these regions were traditionally separate from the concentric zone (Marat, 2006, p. 94-96, 103-105).

UN Office in Central Asia However, these countries lack the economics to do so, lack solidarity and face even greater opposition to policies (Hilton, 2002, “Central Asia”). They perpetuate the disparate policies of the Soviet Union (Marat, 2006, p. 94, 95). The UN regional office is charged with restricting and cutting off drug trade (Hilton, 2002, “Central Asia”). Regional office tries to coauthor cooperation among 3 countries (“Central Asia”).

UN Office Makes the trip once a year due to weather conditions (Hilton, 2002, “Central Asia”). Contends that it must pay officers 3 times that of police to limit corruption (“Central Asia”). As many as 2% of the population are addicted to heroin (Hilton, 2002, “Central Asia”). Available workforce limited by this (“Central Asia”). Therefore, limited rebuilding.

The People Contend… Limited opportunities Unfair or disparate rights and socioeconomics (Marat, 2006, p. 94-98) People targeted for ethnic or religious identity (Hilton, 2002, “U.S. State”). Lack of treatment centers for those without money (Hilton, 2002, “Central Asia”). Need to survive. Largely agricultural and socioeconomically depressed (Marat, 2006, p. 95, 96). Lack of legitimate administration in each region (p 95-97, 103). Problems of strain and transition zone combine (Gabbidon, n.d.; Fuller, n.d).

Strain Theory & Concentric Zone Theory It seems that both have roles here. People in Central Asia are not in the Concentric Zone. As in ancient times, they are in the transition zone (Gabbidon, n.d.) Moreover, business and & economies benefit from the drug trade passage (Marat, 2006, p. 103, 104; Hilton, 2002, “Central Asia”). Perpetuation of old grudges, disparate chances to realize greater socioeconomic status. Cannot attain the cultural or country’s idea of attainment (Gabbidon, n.d.). Some ritualists go through motions Gabbidon, n.d.). Addicts are retreatists. Some are rebellionists, but government treats all as if they fit this category (Gabbidon, n.d.). Policies are problematic.

References Fuller, J. (n.d.). Robert Merton. Gabbidon, S. (n.d.) Concentric Zone Theory. Hilton, C. (2002). Drug Control in Central Asia. Bitter Harvest: The War on Drugs Meets the War on Terror. Retrieved from http://digital.films.com/play/ZRFSWL# (2002). U.S. State Department Human Rights Report on Uzbekistan. Bitter Harvest: The War on Drugs Meets the War on Terror. Retrieved from http://digital.films.com/play/ZRFSWL# Marat, E. (2006). Impact of drug trade and organized crime on state functioning in Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan. China and Eurasia Quarterly, 4(1): 93-111. Retrieved from http://www.silkroadstudies.org/new/docs/cef/quarterly/ february_2006/erica_marat.pdf