Description
Taylor & Francis Ltd Understanding Central Asia 2012 Edition by Sally N. Cummings
Since Soviet collapse, the independent republics of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan have faced tremendous political, economic, and security challenges. Focusing on these five republics, this textbook analyzes the contending understandings of the politics of the past, present and future transformations of Central Asia, including its place in international security and world politics. Analysing the transformation that independence has brought and tracing the geography, history, culture, identity, institutions and economics of Central Asia, it locates 'the political' in the region. A comprehensive examination of the politics of Central Asia, this insightful book is of interest both to undergraduate and graduate students of Asian Politics, Post-Communist Politics, Comparative Politics and International Relations, and to scholars and professionals in the region. 1. Introduction 2. The Region of Central Asia: What's in a Name? 3. Empires, Soviet Rule and Sovereignty 4. Authoritarian Alternatives 5. Islam, Nation and Multiple Identities in Central Asia 6. Economics and Political Transformations 7. Securing Central Asia 8. Conclusion: State of the State in Central Asia