belong to. In fact, there are so many, that we’ve done two other videos on this same

topic. Check out those videos in the links listed below, in the show notes.

So what other regions are still fighting for sovereignty?

Well, in central asia, the Chinese administrative region known as Xinjiang plus surrounding

areas, is home to an estimated 15 million Uighurs . Uighurs are a muslim, Turkish-speaking

ethnic community. They call the region, “East Turkestan ”. Over the centuries, it has

been conquered and claimed by different ethnic groups. But in 1949, Communist China took

over most of the area, restricting some of the Uighurs religious practices. Although

Uighur [WIGG-er] terrorist groups have emerged to fight for independence, experts suggest

that China is unlikely to relinquish control.

Then, there are a number of other territories seeking independent statehood in eastern europe

and asia. Many of them are stuck in a delicate political balance after the 1991 breakup of

the soviet union, and subsequent civil wars within post-soviet states. Most civil wars

were fought along ethnic and religious divides. Today, the states of Moldova, Azerbaijan,

and Georgia, contain 4 “frozen conflict zones”. These zones operate under their

own authority, without the permission of their “parent” state. They are called “de

facto states”, but have limited international recognition of their independent status. However,

the breakaway regions within Georgia ARE recognized by a few countries, including Russia, Venezuela,

and Nicaragua.

Another post-soviet state, Bosnia-Herzegovina , may have a new separatist movement coming

soon - from the Serb Republic. The state of Bosnia itself, is ethnically divided into

two major semi-autonomous regions - one favoring Christian Serbians, and the other favoring

Catholic Croatians. The Serbs in the Serb Republic, have recently asked for MORE autonomous

powers. And if they don’t get them, some politicians are threatening to hold a referendum

on independence for the region, in 2018.

In these areas throughout central asia and eastern europe, many governments continue

to be unstable, with the potential for a violent flare-up. In the fight for sovereignty, the

United Nations reminds all countries - recognized and unrecognized, that they still must uphold

basic human rights. Hopefully, all governments in all regions will keep a commitment to peace

alive, as they move towards compromise.

To see part one and two of this series, check out our videos here. And let us know in the

comments below about other communities fighting for independence. Thanks as always for watching,

we’ll see you next time.