Final answer:
Among the listed Central Asian states, Afghanistan does not belong with others like Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, and Kyrgyzstan, as it was never formally part of the Soviet Union.
Step-by-step explanation:
When considering which of the following states does not belong with the other Central Asian States, it's important to look at the historical, cultural, and geographical context.
The Central Asian States generally referred to include Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, and Kyrgyzstan, all of which were part of the former Soviet Union until 1991. These countries share a Soviet heritage, and culturally many have Turkish influences thus sometimes the region is called Turkestan.
However, Afghanistan, while sometimes included as part of Central Asia, does not belong to this group in the same way the other states do, as it was never an official part of the Soviet Union. Afghanistan has had a different historical trajectory, marked by continual conflict and a more challenging governance structure.
It is usually included in discussions about Central Asia due to its geographic location and economic ties, but its Soviet-era separation makes it distinct from the other Central Asian republics listed.
Uzbekistan is unique as it is doubly landlocked and shares borders with all the other Central Asian countries. Its populous nature and extensive history also contribute to its centrality in the region. Nevertheless, when taking the Soviet legacy into account, Afghanistan stands out as a state that does not belong with the other Central Asian States traditionally linked through their Soviet past.