Author: Daniel L. BurghartPublisher:
ISBN:
Category : Asia, Central
Languages : en
Pages : 504
Book Description
In the Tracks of Tamerlane
Author: Daniel L. BurghartPublisher:
ISBN:
Category : Asia, Central
Languages : en
Pages : 504
Book Description
In the Tracks of Tamerlane
Author: Daniel L. BurghartPublisher:
ISBN: 9781463735487
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 498
Book Description
When examining the ebb and flow of events in the region called Central Asia, one is struck by the magnitude of the impact that this area has had throughout history. Yet in spite of this record, very little is known about this part of the world today. Central Asia always has found itself wedged between Europe and Asia, and as such, has been at the crossroads of relations between the two. In physical terms, this can be seen graphi¬cally in the trade routes of the Great Silk Road. In philosophical terms, it is an area where Western beliefs met and mingled with Eastern ways, often resulting in unusual and unique hybrids of thought and culture. Nor has the area's significance been limited to that of providing a meeting place for other cultures. For over 100 years, between the thirteenth and fifteenth centuries, the armies of Genghis Khan and later Tamerlane spread from Central Asia to conquer and exert their influence over an area larger than the conquests of Alexander, Rome or Hitler. The repercussions of these conquests can still be seen today and serve as a reminder of the impact the region has had, and may again have, on world events.Great though this influence may have been, history dictated that after Central Asia's zenith, there followed a period of decline. During this time, the region seemed to slip from the world stage, surpassed in importance by other areas, such as the newly discovered Americas. Though the reasons for this decline are many and varied, the end result was that the region seemed to fall from the attention of most scholars, political leaders and the public in general. That the region still held importance for its resi¬dents goes without saying; that it continues to be important to the major regional actors bordering the area will be shown. Still, little was known or written about Central Asia after the time of Tamerlane, other than that it was a far off and mysterious part of the world that few people traveled to or cared about. This remained the case throughout most of the twentieth century, until events following the breakup of the Soviet Union brought the region into new prominence and focus.Many events can be pointed to as affecting the status of the region; however, three stand out beyond all others as having an impact both on the peoples of Central Asia and, in turn, their relations with the rest of world. The breakup of the Russian/Soviet Empire, just as with the fall of other great empires, sent shockwaves through the area and beyond. The opportunity for the region to rule itself, as opposed to being ruled by oth¬ers, has meant significant changes in the politics, economy and social fab¬ric found there. Yet as important as these changes have been, they would have little meaning or impact on the rest of the world were it not for the second major event associated with Central Asia: the discovery of poten¬tially extensive reserves of gas and oil. Although the size of these stores is debated and in truth has yet to be determined, they are significant enough to warrant global attention and interest as an alternative fuel source in a world concerned with the dwindling stocks of hydrocarbons. These reserves hold the promise of economic development and prosperity, but as has been seen elsewhere in the world, this promise can be a two-edged sword with as many downsides as benefits. Finally, in the aftermath of Sep-tember 11, the potential of terrorism both originating from and affecting the region need hardly be elaborated. For all these and other reasons, the world is showing renewed interest in Central Asia.
In the Tracks of Tamerlane
Author: Daniel L. BurghartPublisher:
ISBN: 9781410222954
Category : Political Science
Languages : en
Pages : 504
Book Description
CONTENTS Preface Acknowledgments In the Tracks of Tamerlane: Central Asia's Path to the 21st Century The Politics of Central Asia: National in Form, Soviet in Content Political Reform Strategies: Early Starters, Late Starters, and Non-Starters Legal Reform in Central Asia: Battling the Influence of History Human Rights in Central Asia Democracy-Building in Central Asia Post September 11 Islam in Central Asia: The Emergence and Growth of Radicalism in the Post-Communist Era The Rise of the Post-Soviet Petro-States: Energy Exports and Domestic Governance in Turkmenistan and Kazakhstan Cooperative Management of Transboundary Water Resources in Central Asia Central Asian Public Health: Transition and Transformation From Rio to Johannesburg: Comparing Sustainable Development in Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and The Kyrgyz Republic Land Privatization and Conflict in Central Asia: Is Kyrgyzstan a Model? Environmental Management in Independent Central Asia The Future of Electrical Power in the Republic of Kazakhstan Forging Relationships, Preventing Proliferation: A Decade of Cooperative Threat Reduction in Central Asia Building Security in Central Asia: A Multilateral Perspective Who's Watching the Watchdogs?: Drug Trafficking in Central Asia Migration Trends in Central Asia and the Case of Trafficking of Women Beyond the Battle of Talas: China's Re-emergence in Central Asia Regional Security Cooperation and Foreign Policies in Central Asia: A 21st Century "Great Game"? Friends Like These: Defining U.S. Interests in Central Asia About the Contributors Abbreviations and Key Terms
Central Asia in the Era of Sovereignty
Author: Daniel L. BurghartPublisher: Contemporary Central Asia: Societies, Politics, and Cultures
ISBN: 9781498572668
Category : Asia, Central
Languages : en
Pages : 0
Book Description
This collection provides a broad analysis of social, political, economic, and security issues in contemporary Central Asia. In particular, the contributors highlight the differences and similarities among the region's states in how they have consolidated statehood since the collapse of the Soviet Union.
Author: Towards Social Stability and Democratic Governance in Central Eurasia
Author: I. MorozovaPublisher: IOS Press
ISBN: 1607501317
Category : Business & Economics
Languages : en
Pages : 324
Book Description
Through invasions, migrations, trade and cultural exchange, developments in Central Eurasia have, for millennia, impacted upon the history of both Europe and Asia. For the last three hundred years, Central Eurasia has been the stage upon which great empires clashed. Following the dissolution of the Soviet Union, Central Eurasia has once again emerged as a region of geo-political concern with various new international actors involved: the USA, international monetary organizations, strategic alliances, TNCs, NGOs, regional blocks, as well as criminal groups and ethno-religious movements. The new ‘centrality’ of Central Eurasia brings new security threats to the region’s population, to Europe and to the rest of the world. Repressive political regimes and marginalization of whole groups of the population inflame conflicts that spill across national borders. Migration to Europe, both legal and illegal, the illicit production and trade of drugs are the direct outcome of social-economic destabilization in Central Eurasia. Territorial disputes, border conflicts and competition for resources among the Central Eurasian ethnicities have become the unfortunate reality. Post-Soviet Central Eurasia, as a direct neighbor to the turbulent Middle East, is a potential playground for extremist movements: radical Islamic groups and terrorist organizations. The contributors to this book, coming from various theoretical schools and presenting innovative interdisciplinary approaches, provide their views on the socio-political challenges confronting the nine Central Eurasian states - Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Mongolia, Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia. The book presents scientific discussions on the historical development of Central Eurasia and its socio-cultural legacies; Soviet and contemporary state organization, social transformation and communal structures; the current economic conditions as a precursor to social stability and development; and geo-political arrangements and political changes over the last two decades.
Development in Central Asia and the Caucasus
Author: Sophie HohmannPublisher: Bloomsbury Publishing
ISBN: 0857725378
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 416
Book Description
After the final collapse of the Soviet Union, the so-called 'last empire', in 1991, the countries of Central Asia - Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan - and of the Caucasus - Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia - became independent nations. These countries, previously production centres under the socialist planning system of the Soviet Union, have made enormous economic adjustments in order to develop - or attempt to develop - along capitalist lines. As this study will show, however, inequality in Central Asia and the Caucasus is widening, as the Soviet systems of healthcare and state provisions disappear. Rejecting the Cold War-era East/West paradigm often used to analyse the development of these nations, this study analyses development along the North-South lines which characterise the migration patterns and poverty levels of much of the rest of the developed world. This opens up new avenues of research, and helps us understand why it is, for instance, that this region is better characterised as a 'new South' - as skilled workers flood out of the territories and into Russia and Western Europe. Development in Central Asia and the Caucasus draws together detailed analyses of the development of migration economics as the region's oil wealth further enhances its strategic and economic importance to Russia, the US, the Middle East and to the EU.
Politics and Oil in Kazakhstan
Author: Wojciech OstrowskiPublisher: Routledge
ISBN: 1135248249
Category : Business & Economics
Languages : en
Pages : 219
Book Description
Based on extensive field work and in-depth interviews in Kazakhstan, this book provides a comprehensive study of the issues of politics of oil and state-business relationships in Kazakhstan. It examines the ways in which the post-Soviet Kazakh regime has managed to sustain itself in power, and the regime maintenance techniques it has used in the process of establishing and upholding its position.
Transboundary Environmental Governance
Author: Simon MarsdenPublisher: Routledge
ISBN: 1317008057
Category : Law
Languages : en
Pages : 397
Book Description
Effective protection of the marine and terrestrial environment increasingly requires cooperation between neighbouring States, international organizations, government entities and communities within States. This book analyses key aspects of transboundary environmental law and policy and their implementation in Asia, Australasia and Australian offshore territories, and surrounding areas beyond national jurisdiction including Antarctica. It discusses the potential for implementing key transboundary environmental mechanisms such as the 1991 Convention on Environmental Impact Assessment in a Transboundary Context (Espoo Convention) and its 1997 Protocol on Strategic Environmental Assessment (Kiev Protocol) in Australia and Asia drawing on experience from other regions and the potential application of these agreements to all UN member states. The book makes an innovative contribution to research in the area of transboundary environmental governance particularly as it applies to Asia, Australasia and international areas, supplementing similar research which has predominantly focused on Europe and North America.
Irregular Migration from the Former Soviet Union to the United States
Author: Saltanat LiebertPublisher: Routledge
ISBN: 1135230536
Category : Business & Economics
Languages : en
Pages : 164
Book Description
This is the first book in English to examine irregular migration from former Soviet states to the United States. It discusses reasons for migration; the profile of migrants; how the process works, how migrants obtain U.S. visas; where they work once arrived; and if they intend to return home.