ABSTRACT
This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book explores the linkages between environmental quality and security in the countries of the former Soviet bloc. It also explores direct linkages between the concepts of environmental quality and environmental security and in latter chapters more indirect ones. The book examines one of the clearest instances of environmental contamination that is linked to security concerns, namely, radioactive after-effects in the Arctic resulting from the military build-up of the Cold War. It describes a tantalizing model for understanding the intersection among environmental degradation, regional security, and violent interstate conflict. The book provides the role of international involvement in environmental problems and regional environmental security and focuses on problems in two regions of the former Soviet Union, the Baltics and the Central Asian republics.
