This is the only book since the fall of the Soviet Union to analyze the security of the newly emerged independent states in the strategically vital region of Central Asia and the Caucasus.
From one perspective, Central Asia and the Caucasus are a powder keg. Their struggling, unstable nations that once made up the Soviet Union are either already embroiled in conflict or sliding rapidly toward it. Their region is oil-rich, dotted with U.S. military bases, and the countries are potentially important trading partners and allies for the United States. How will the future turn out?
This insightful work maps out the possibilities and dangers that lie ahead for the nations of Central Asia and the Caucasus. The book analyzes the current security situation and clarifies its historical context, identifying the factors that have shaped the security of these young nations since their independence. It also examines the parameters—political, economic, ethnic, energy, and military—that will decide the security of the region in the future.
The book’s author tells the whole story behind the headlines when he discusses, for example, the real reason for the “wine war” of 2006, when Russia banned imports of Georgian wine for “health reasons,” or when explaining the impact of the expanding American presence—both political and military—after September 11. Conflict and Security in Central Asia and the Caucasus is a primer for those who want to know more about this strategic region and essential reading for all students of world affairs.
Features
• Nearly 20 essays on vital topics such as the Islamic movement in Uzbekistan and NATO’s Partnership for Peace program
• Separate chronologies for Central Asia and the Caucasus
• Current maps of this turbulent, fast-changing region
• A four-part, comprehensive bibliography organized by region
Highlights
• Discusses the complicated issues that affect all the nations in the region, such as oil and superpower relations
• In-depth examinations of each nation, its historical conflicts with other groups or nations, and its relationship with both internal and transnational groups and peoples
• Profiles of clout-wielding organizations in the region and their involvement in regional conflicts
• Historical portraits of the peoples of the region, focusing on their history of conflict with each other and with national governments and their current transborder status
Hooman Peimani, PhD, is principal fellow at the Energy Studies Institute at the National University of Singapore. His published works include Falling Terrorism and Rising Conflicts: The Afghan "Contribution" to Polarization and Confrontation in West and South Asia.
Reviews
"In this highly informative and timely book, the author provides the necessary background information and current data to better understand the sources of conflict and security in today's Central Asia and the Caucasus. . . . Highly recommended. All undergraduate, graduate, and research collections."—Choice
"This volume reviews the factors contributing to intra- and interstate conflict in Central Asia and the Caucasus. It contains regional essays discussing topics such as the transition from communism, elections in Azerbaijan and Georgia, and oil politics and economics in the Caucasus, followed by country profiles of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Georgia. It then presents essays discussing the Commonwealth of Independent States, the Economic Cooperation Organization, the Collective Security Treaty Organization, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, the Organization for Democracy and Economic Development, and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. Finally, the conclusion reviews major trends and assesses scenarios for possible armed conflicts in the future."—Reference & Research Book News
"Author Peimani builds on and updates previous publications with an analysis of conflict in Kazakhstan,
Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan in central Asia, and Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Georgia in the Caucasus. ...Readers will also find chronologies, well-documented tables, black-and-white photographs, six easy-to read themed maps (e.g., “Commonwealth of Independent States”), and 21 sidebars that review key issues (e.g., “Russian Bases in Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan”). Peimani’s text represents a frank and objective assessment... Also available as an e-book, this title will work equally well in a library’s circulating collection."—Booklist
"Typical of the ABC-CLIO sources, this is an exceptionally well-done work. . . . This attractive volume is a valuable book worthy of consideration for a wide range of libraries."—ARBAonline
