Overview

When the Soviet Union officially ended in December 1991 and was replaced by the Commonwealth of Independent States, the five Central Asian republics—Kazakstan, Kyrgystan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan—also became independent. This study examines the course of nationalist, ethnic, and pro-independence movements in the Central Asian region since 1991, as well as the geopolitical situation surrounding and involving these new states. Because of differences in size, ethnic composition, historical and cultural characteristics, resource base, and geographical location, these countries' patterns of evolution during the post-independence period have varied greatly. Nevertheless, during the last few years, certain basic common patterns have emerged, both in the political and economic development of the Central Asian states and in their external relations. These patterns and developments are analyzed here by a noted expert in Eurasian studies.

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Few contemporary analysts have such an easy grasp of the political and social dynamics of Central Asia as Shireen Hunter. Moreover, she has shown herself to be at the cutting edge of thinking on that emerging field that is the geopolitics of Eurasia. In this succinct and comprehensive monograph, the author provides much new insight and information on the Central Asian republics themselves. She also weaves together the complex matrix of old and new relationships among the republics and their neighbors, shedding particular light on the northern tier states of the Middle East. - Philip Robins Senior Fellow St. Antony's College University of Oxford

Hunter provides a fascinating portrait of the contemporary struggle for nation-building in Central Asia. She provides a cogent description of the evolving political and economic systems of these newly independent republics and a first-rate analysis of intra- and inter-Central Asian relations and conflicts.... Her analysis is sober and balanced throughout. Highly informative, this book is must reading for scholars of the region. Highly recommended for upper-division and graduate courses. -Choice ?Hunter provides a fascinating portrait of the contemporary struggle for nation-building in Central Asia. She provides a cogent description of the evolving political and economic systems of these newly independent republics and a first-rate analysis of intra- and inter-Central Asian relations and conflicts.... Her analysis is sober and balanced throughout. Highly informative, this book is must reading for scholars of the region. Highly recommended for upper-division and graduate courses.?-Choice Central Asia is a region of geopolitical concern and of economic interest to at least five significant countries and scores of major global corporations. This volume provides a perceptive and timely framework for those who either wish to understand better the key issues involved or who are poised to engage in the political and economic competition. -Zbigniew Brzezinski Counselor, Center for Strategic and International Studies Former U.S. National Security Adviser .,. an outstanding analytical survey of political developments in the Central Asian states and of the states' relations with each other, with Russia, and with other regional powers. Dr. Hunter examines Central Asia's problems in the light of its geopolitical significance and contributes to our understanding of the region. Central Asia Since Independence is a valuable addition to the meager literature that has been published in recent years in the United States and abroad. - Hafeez Malik Professor of Political Science Villanova University Few contemporary analysts have such an easy grasp of the political and social dynamics of Central Asia as Shireen Hunter. Moreover, she has shown herself to be at the cutting edge of thinking on that emerging field that is the geopolitics of Eurasia. In this succinct and comprehensive monograph, the author provides much new insight and information on the Central Asian republics themselves. She also weaves together the complex matrix of old and new relationships among the republics and their neighbors, shedding particular light on the northern tier states of the Middle East. - Philip Robins Senior Fellow St. Antony's College University of Oxford

Author Information

SHIREEN T. HUNTER is a senior associate at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, where she has held the positions of deputy director of the CSIS Middle East Program (1982-92) and director of Islamic Studies (1992-93). Currently based in Brussels, she is also associated with the Centre for European Policy Studies, specializing in Turkey, the Transcaucasus, and Central Asia.

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