Understanding Central Asia: Politics and Contested TransformationsBy Sally N. Cummings

Abstract

This book analyses the contemporary politics of the five Central Asians republics of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. These ex-Soviet countries have been treated thematically, in chapters titled ‘The region of Central Asia: what’s in a name?’, ‘Empires, Soviet rule, and sovereignty’, ‘Authoritarian alternatives’, ‘Islam, nation, and multiple identities in Central Asia’, ‘Economies and political transformations’, ‘Securing Central Asia’, and ‘State of the state in Central Asia’. Appendices include a list of election results in these republics since the election of Karimov on 24 March 1990 to President of Uzbek SSR, along with the relevant bibliography, as well as a list of international organizations and their aims. Three maps within the main text are supplemented by an appendix of an additional ten maps, gathered from public sites and available from online sources. Eleven tables present topics such as debates on terminology, ethnic groups, hydrocarbon resources, trade partners, and membership in security organizations. Five timelines cover the ‘Tulip Revolution’ of March 2005 in Kyrgyzstan; the April events of 2010 in Kyrgyzstan; Andijan, Uzbekistan in May, 2005; Osh, Kyrgyzstan in June 2010; and the Tajik Civil War from 1992 to 1997. There is a bibliography and further reading list referring to books, articles, and online materials in English along with indices.