Conflict Transformation in Central Asia: Irrigation disputes in the Ferghana Valley (Central Asian Studies)

This book provides the first systematic analysis of peace-building in Central Asia for inter-ethnic conflicts over water and land in the Ferghana Valley based on concrete, in-depth and on-site investigation. The core analysis centres on peace-building projects in Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan and Tajikistan by three international aid agencies –an international NGO, a bilateral governmental donor and a multilateral agency – and the shared approach which the donors developed and used for conflict transformation. Using ethnographic case material, the author critically examines both the theoretical assumptions guiding this approach and its empirical outcomes when put into practice. Building on existing work in conflict transformation and the ethnography of international assistance in Central Asia, the book sheds light on Western attempts to transform the post-socialist societies of Central Asia and provides fresh empirical data on and insights into irrigation practices, social institutions, and state and identity formation in the Ferghana Valley. The book provides a novel and innovative approach to the study of development assistance and peace-building. It will be of interest to researchers in the field of Central Asian Studies, post-Soviet Studies, Development and Peace and Conflict Studies. Book Cover......Page 1 Title......Page 6 Copyright......Page 7 Contents......Page 8 Illustrations......Page 10 Acknowledgements......Page 11 Abbreviations......Page 14 1 Introduction......Page 16 2 Seeing like a project: Three cases in the Ferghana Valley......Page 28 3 Sources of thought: The ideational background......Page 47 4 The way of the water: Irrigation and conflict......Page 64 5 White beards and active citizens: Institutions for conflict transformation......Page 83 6 The crucible of harmony: Violence and politics......Page 101 7 Trouble on the margins: States, borders and people......Page 118 8 Conclusion......Page 139 Appendix: Overview of aid agencies and projects......Page 145 Glossary......Page 149 Notes......Page 151 Bibliography......Page 165 Index......Page 179 This book deals with irrigation disputes and conflict transformation in Central Asia. It analyzes aid projects which seek to transform inter-community conflicts between Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan and Tajikistan in the Ferghana Valley, addressing both the practicalities of aid and the discourses within which notions of these practicalities are formed. Offers an analysis of peace-building in Central Asia for inter-ethnic conflicts over water and land in the Ferghana Valley. This book sheds light on Western attempts to transform the post-socialist societies of Central Asia and provides empirical data on and insights into irrigation practices, and social institutions in the Ferghana Valley.