Introduction

Central Asia conjures up different associations for different people. In its recent history, the issues that surround oil, political and socio-economic transition and security have shaped and dominated the way in which the region is perceived. This volume grew out of a conference held in December 2001, at which those very topics were discussed. The project was conceived prior to the events of 11 September and has involved leading scholars and practitioners from various countries, each a specialist in some aspect of the region.