Final answer:
The enduring effects of imperialism in northern and central Asia include economic disparities, cultural assimilation, geopolitical conflicts, and infrastructure development that continue to shape the region's modern-day social, economic, and political landscape.
Step-by-step explanation:
The lasting effects of imperialism in northern and central Asia manifest in various ways today, including economic disparities and resource exploitation, cultural assimilation and loss of indigenous identity, geopolitical conflicts and boundary disputes, and infrastructure development and modernization efforts. Economic disparities stem from the historical expropriation of land and resources, as well as the unequal economic relationships imposed during colonial times. Cultural assimilation can be seen in how indigenous cultures have been marginalized or absorbed into the dominant postcolonial society. Geopolitical conflicts often arise from borders drawn during the imperial era, which disregarded ethnic and cultural territories, leading to ethnic tensions. Lastly, infrastructure and modernization, while beneficial in some aspects, are also a part of the imperial legacy, reflecting the priorities and interests of the colonizing powers rather than those of the indigenous populations.
Moreover, the division of the world into 'developed' and 'less-developed' regions continues to influence international relations, with countries that were colonized often being considered 'less-developed.' The focus on structured governments and greater democratic processes introduced during the colonial era remains a complex part of the postcolonial political landscape. The imprint of European-imposed borders and their ensuing conflicts, economic exploitation, and cultural change still resonates in the present day among the countries and communities of northern and central Asia.