Uzbekistan
As the most populous Central Asian nation, rich in natural gas and agricultural commodities, Uzbekistan has been courted heavily by Russia after the dissolution of the Soviet Union. But, as the analysis firm Stratfor noted, the country's well-earned reputation for independence has endowed it with the "chutzpah" to stand up to Russia. Indeed, despite the positive attitude reported by Uzbeks toward Russia, the country's leadership has steered a decidedly non-committal course with respect to its powerful neighbor. It suspended its participation in Russia's Eurasian Economic Commonwealth and Russian businesses are reportedly struggling in the country. Global Top 5s is a monthly feature by RealClearWorld.com powered by Gallup's worldwide research. Learn more at Gallup.com.
