Understanding Central Asia

by Sally N. Cummings

Since Soviet collapse, the independent republics of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan have faced tremendous political, economic, and security challenges. Focusing on these five republics, this textbook analyzes the contending understandings of the politics of the past, present and future transformations of Central Asia, including its place in international security and world politics. Analysing the transformation that independence has brought and tracing the geography, history, culture, identity, institutions and economics of Central Asia, it locates ‘the political’ in the region. A comprehensive examination of the politics of Central Asia, this insightful book is of interest both to undergraduate and graduate students of Asian Politics, Post-Communist Politics, Comparative Politics and International Relations, and to scholars and professionals in the region.

Genres: Politics, History

256 pages, Paperback

First published August 1, 2008

Reviews

[Ana-Maria · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sally Cummings provides a very useful literature review on Central Asia, an introductory textbook for the analysis of the region for students of political science and international relations. The book does not advance original hypoteses, but offers an overview of the most relevant scientific contributions to the history and politics of Central Asia. I liked particularly the chapter on the geographic limits of Central Asia, which are not only subject of political quarrels, but also of geographic tensions, despite the region's seemingly landlocked and thus easily discernible character. The author provides an overview of the Tsarist and Soviet rule over Central Asia, including aspects regarding the border delineations, going through the well-known topics of identity (Muslim, national, local/regional), political regimes, economic development and security threats (conventional and non-conventional).
I recommend this book at any stage on the research on Central Asia, as it provides a very thorough literature review and a useful guide for writing a quality literature review ourselves.

[Talhah Wazir · Rating 5 out of 5]

10000%

[Wes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent overview of lasting Soviet influence over the five Central Asian Republics, and the cultural tendencies that serve to buffer new Russian hegemony.