Central Asia

The disintegration of the Soviet Union in 1991 transformed Central Asia's political landscape. This region of five sovereign states of some fifty million people became a major focus of interest and influence for competing poles of power. This work features contributors who offer a four-part analysis of the region's importance in world affairs. The disintegration of the Soviet Union in 1991 rapidly and irrevocably transformed Central Asia's political landscape. This region of five sovereign states with a population of some fifty million people quickly became a major focus of interest and influence for competing poles of power. The eminent contributors to this volume offer a four-part analysis of the region's new importance in world affairs. Rajan Menon examines the place of Central Asia in a global perspective. Eugene Rumer considers the perspective of the post-9/11 United States. Dimitri Trenin looks at the region from the standpoint of traditional hegemon Russia. Huasheng Zhao provides the view from economic superpower-in-the-making China.