The Resurgence of Central Asia: Islam or Nationalism? (Politics in Contemporary Asia)

Kazakhstan, Kirgystan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan have all become independent states in central Asia, following the break-up of the USSR. All have Muslim majorities and ancient histories, but are otherwise very different. This book provides an introduction to the region. Rashid gives a history of each country, including its incorporation into Tsarist Russia to the present day. He provides basic socio-economic information and explains the diverse political situations. He focuses primarily on the underlying issues confronting these societies: the legacy of Soviet rule; ethnic tensions; the position of women; the future of Islam; the question of nuclear proliferation; and the fundamental choices over economic strategy, political system and external orientation which lie ahead. "The Resurgence of Central Asia is Ahmed Rashid's seminal study of the states that emerged in the aftermath of the break-up of the Soviet Union: Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. All have Muslim majorities and ancient histories but are otherwise very different. Rashid's book, now with a new introduction by the author examining some of the crucial political developments since its first publication in 1994, provides entrée to this little-known but geopolitically important region. Rashid gives a history of each country, including its incorporation into Tsarist Russia, to the present day, provides basic socioeconomic information, and explains the diverse political situations. He focuses primarily on the underlying issues confronting these societies: the legacy of Soviet rule, ethnic tensions, the position of women, the future of Islam, the question of nuclear proliferation, and the fundamental choices over economic strategy, political system and external orientation that lie ahead"--Page [4] of cover. 1. Conquerors, Khans And Communists -- 2. The Two Revolutions -- 1917 And 1991 -- 3. Socialism Along The Silk Road -- Economy And Society In Central Asia -- 4. At The Centre Of The World -- Uzbekistan -- 5. Warriors Of The Turquoise Hills -- Kazakhstan -- 6. The Cradle Of The Earth -- Kyrgyzstan -- 7. The Mountains Of Islam -- Tajikistan -- 8. The Desert Horsemen -- Turkmenistan -- 9. The Great Game Revisited -- Central Asia's Foreign Policy -- 10. Uncertain Homelands -- Security, Islam And Nationalism -- Appendix: Data And Chronologies -- Uzbekistan -- Kazakhstan -- Kyrgyzstan -- Tajikistan -- Turkmenistan. Ahmed Rashid. Includes Bibliographical References (p. 270-273) And Index. All the Central Asian nations have Muslim majorities and ancient histories, but are otherwise very different. This book provides an introduction to the region.