Over the years, many developing nations have sold their mineral wealth cheaply, so urgently did they need the Western cash. And Kazakhstan needs cash. But it might be a mistake to sell Kazakhs short. Life in Kazakhstan has always been harsh, judged by Western standards, and it is harsh today. But perhaps that is not such a bad thing.
Adversity makes for a tough and resourceful attitude toward life.
Finally, a word about how this issue came to be. In an indirect way, this issue grew out of that fellows program, which is supported by the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation. We thank the foundation for its help in putting together this issue.