ABSTRACT

This volume describes the unique development of Central Asia as defined by its landlocked geography. Particular attention is paid to the achievements and challenges of the region’s post-Soviet economic and political transformation, as well as to its relationship with the participants in the New Great Game – Russia, China and the West. Located as it is in the geographical centre of booming Asia, and with the opportunity to become a key logistics bridge connecting the world’s largest economies, Central Asia is well placed for rapid development. However, the region faces a range of complex problems that are explained and analysed in the volume. The Eurasian powers that encircle Central Asia look certain to become the engines of global economic growth, but how will this affect the region? Will Central Asia join the powerful locomotive of history, or will it remain on the sidelines?

chapter |24 pages

Introduction

part I|33 pages

Great History is Behind Us

chapter 1|8 pages

The Silk Road

Connecting Cultures, Creating Trust

chapter 2|23 pages

Thirty Years after the Soviet Union

part II|220 pages

Post-Soviet Transformation

chapter 3|60 pages

Economic Transformation

chapter 4|21 pages

Leading Economic Players

chapter 5|27 pages

Infrastructure

chapter 6|12 pages

Transport Resistance and Logistics

chapter 7|33 pages

Eurasian Railway Revolution

chapter 8|11 pages

The Future of Rail

Lessons from China

chapter 9|39 pages

Energy

chapter 10|8 pages

Water

chapter 11|7 pages

Governance and Institutions

part III|27 pages

Political Challenges

chapter 12|12 pages

The Fergana Valley and Its Conflicts

chapter 13|13 pages

Political Upheavals

part IV|67 pages

Neighbourhoods

chapter 14|11 pages

Eurasian Economic Integration

chapter 15|22 pages

The Belt and Road Initiative in Central Asia

chapter 16|11 pages

China's Loans to the World and Central Asia

chapter 17|18 pages

Afghanistan

Continuation of War or Revival of Greater Central Asia?

chapter |3 pages

Conclusion