Central Asia in the Era of Sovereignty: The Return of Tamerlane

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After twenty-five years of independence, there is little doubt that the five Central Asian states will persist as sovereign, independent states. They increasingly differ from each other, and are making their way in global politics. No longer connected only to Russia, they are now connected in important ways to Afghanistan, South Asia, China, Iran, and each other. This volume covers a wide range of issues and presents the work of emerging scholars authors well-known for their expertise in the region. The first part addresses social issues. Covering a wide range from HIV/AIDs to social media, the rebirth of Islam, outmigration, and problematic borders, this section follows two main currents: political development in the region and states responses to transboundary challenges. The second part, addressing economics and security, provides analyses of new infrastructure, informal economies (from bazaars to criminal networks), energy development, the role of enclaves in the Ferghana Valley, and the development of the states military structures. This section illuminates the interactions between economic developments and security, and the forces that could undermine both. The final part, comprised of five case studies, offers a deeper dive into a specific factor that matters in the development of each Central Asian state. These cases include Kazakhstans foreign policy identity, Kyrgyzstans domestic politics, Tajikistans pursuit of hydropower, foreign direct investment in Turkmenistan, and the perception of everyday corruption in Uzbekistan.

Reviews

This important volume provides a comprehensive overview of political, economic, and social developments in post-Soviet Central Asia. It will be of remarkable assistance to policymakers and scholars who seek to keep up with the dynamic situation in the region. Quite remarkably, the chapters are firmly grounded in history and theory, so they will not lose currency in the years to come.

* The Russian Review *
This is a comprehensive, expertly written and well-documented book on the complex and multifaceted policies of Central Asia. Twenty-one scholarsthe best in the fieldprovide a fascinating account of the rivalries and tensions, the friendships and enmities, the areas of cooperation and the potential for conflict among this group of countries. Both academic and lay readers will find the volume accessible and informative. -- Gawdat Bahgat, National Defense University
This book is an excellent introduction to an historic and increasingly strategic region of the world to which the United States should pay greater attention. The essays cover all the key issues: geopolitics, international relations, security, economic development, social and cultural challenges, and natural resources, especially the vast hydrocarbon deposits of the Caspian basin. From my own twenty years of experience representing the United States in Central Asia, I can tell you that this book gets it right. -- Richard E. Hoagland

Author Bio

Daniel L. Burghart is professor of national security and Eurasian studies at the National Intelligence University.

Theresa Sabonis-Helf is professor of national security strategy at the National War College.