This volume is the only current treatment of security issues in Central Asia for the nonspecialist, as well as specialists and policy-makers. Global Security Watch—Central Asia is the first authoritative examination of the security issues affecting, and affected by, the region where Russia, South Asia, China, and the Middle East meet. The author provides a comprehensive account of the strategic importance and challenges facing Central Asia written for policymakers, students, researchers, and interested general readers alike. Global Security Watch—Central Asia goes behind the scenes to explore both the internal factors and global influences affecting the stability of region and the nations that comprise it. Coverage includes the dynamics of each country's domestic politics, the allure of the region's natural resources, Central Asia's role in U.S./Russian relations, and the renewed focus on the region in the aftermath of the attacks of September 11, 2001.

This comprehensive overview of Central Asia by Hanks . . . is particularly welcome. . . . Recommended. * Choice *

Reuel R. Hanks is professor of geography at Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK. His published works include ABC-CLIO's Uzbekistan: A Bibliographic Guide and Central Asia: A Global Studies Handbook.