This is the only book since the fall of the Soviet Union to analyze the security of the newly emerged independent states in the strategically vital region of Central Asia and the Caucasus. This insightful work maps out the possibilities and dangers that lie ahead for the nations of Central Asia and the Caucasus. The book analyzes the current security situation and clarifies its historical context, identifying the factors that have shaped the security of these young nations since their independence. It also examines the parameters—political, economic, ethnic, energy, and military—that will decide the security of the region in the future. The book's author tells the whole story behind the headlines when he discusses, for example, the real reason for the "wine war" of 2006, when Russia banned imports of Georgian wine for "health reasons," or when explaining the impact of the expanding American presence—both political and military—after September 11. Conflict and Security in Central Asia and the Caucasus is a primer for those who want to know more about this strategic region and essential reading for all students of world affairs.

Typical of the ABC-CLIO sources, this is an exceptionally well-done work. . . . This attractive volume is a valuable book worthy of consideration for a wide range of libraries. * ARBAonline *
Author Peimani builds on and updates previous publications with an analysis of conflict in Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan in central Asia, and Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Georgia in the Caucasus. …Readers will also find chronologies, well-documented tables, black-and-white photographs, six easy-to read themed maps (e.g., "Commonwealth of Independent States"), and 21 sidebars that review key issues (e.g., "Russian Bases in Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan"). Peimani's text represents a frank and objective assessment… Also available as an e-book, this title will work equally well in a library's circulating collection. * Booklist *
This volume reviews the factors contributing to intra- and interstate conflict in Central Asia and the Caucasus. It contains regional essays discussing topics such as the transition from communism, elections in Azerbaijan and Georgia, and oil politics and economics in the Caucasus, followed by country profiles of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Georgia. It then presents essays discussing the Commonwealth of Independent States, the Economic Cooperation Organization, the Collective Security Treaty Organization, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, the Organization for Democracy and Economic Development, and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. Finally, the conclusion reviews major trends and assesses scenarios for possible armed conflicts in the future. * Reference & Research Book News *
In this highly informative and timely book, the author provides the necessary background information and current data to better understand the sources of conflict and security in today's Central Asia and the Caucasus. . . . Highly recommended. All undergraduate, graduate, and research collections. * Choice *

Hooman Peimani, PhD, is principal fellow at the Energy Studies Institute at the National University of Singapore.