evidence: This map depicts exclaves and contested lands in the Ferghana Valley as an archipelago of disconnected islands in a sea of sovereign territory. While Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and Kyrgyzstan are some of the most landlocked states on the contemporary world map—far from any body of water—movement to, from, and within these places is heavily restricted by different state actors. Inhabitants of Chon-Qora, Isfara, Sarvan, Shakhimardan, Sokh, and Vorukh experience these territories as islands within a sea of monopolistic sovereignty, the global norm. [...] The foreground and background of this collage depicts a group of Uzbek soldiers surveying a territorial enclave within Ferghana Valley. Images of Uzbek, Kyrgyz, and Tajik citizens have been placed in a river of liminal space between the background and foreground elements. A river was chosen because surface water is the dominant water source for those living in Ferghana Valley. The river and citizens contained therein symbolize the precarious status imposed on inhabitants of contested territories by multiple sovereign states. Unlike the citizens nebulously floating in the unmarked river, the group of Uzbek soldiers occupy solid ground as enforcers of state sovereignty enabled to enact Weberian legitimate authority through violence. [...] Drake, Carolyn. 2009. Ferghana Valley, Isfara, Tajikistan. Bread is one the few fresh products in abundant supply at the central market. https://library.artstor.org/asset/APANOSIG_10313568121