Central Asia History, Ethnicity, Modernity

The five central Asian States of Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan stand at the crossroads of world civilization. Influenced by South Asia, Iran, China and Russia, this region which has recently burst onto the world stage once again, guards a distinct identity. This collection by established experts on the area covers the dramatic Soviet interventions of the early 20th century, and details the role of ethnicity and the contribution made by Islamic impulses in the process of building the modern nation states.

Synopsis
What is the legacy of Soviet colonialism in Central Asia? How can nation states be formed overnight? How serious a threat to Central Asian stability are radical Islamic movements? The collapse of the Soviet Union led to the creation of five states in Central Asia which had never before existed. Over the last decade, the region's leaders have attempted to forge nations and carve countries from a complex political, historical and sociological mix. This pioneering collection examines the radical transition Central Asia underwent in the twentieth century Following President Bush's declaration of a 'War on Terror' and the subsequent ousting of the Taliban rule in Afghanistan, the strengths and policies of Central Asia's regimes have become matters of geopolitical importance. This collection assesses these policies against the backdrop of a Soviet legacy and the vigorous attempts of these countries to build secular states within the radical Islamic world.