This handbook-style edited volume discusses historical, but predominantly current political, economic, and societal trends in Central Asia comprising Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan. The five countries exhibit many cultural and historical commonalities and face similar internal and external challenges. Despite different transformation paths and frequent intra-regional tensions, a common regional identity has emerged in the countries since gaining their independence in 1991. Besides covering their political systems, a variety of topics such as human rights, media, terrorism, and civil society are addressed. As well, bilateral relations with seven external actors are examined. Lastly, the authors explore the opportunities and limitations of institutionalized regional cooperation in various fields of action.

Autorentext

Dr. Jakob Lempp is Professor of Political Science with a focus on International Relations at Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences in Kleve, Germany. He was a research fellow at Kazakh-German University in Almaty, Kazakhstan and at the OSCE Academy in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. He has previously worked at the University of Technology in Dresden and at the Boston Consulting Group in Munich. His research focuses on politics in Central Asia and Europe and on European integration.

Dr. Sebastian Mayer is DAAD Associate Professor of International Relations at the OSCE Academy and Associate Fellow at the American University of Central Asia, Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. He has held positions at the Free University of Berlin, the Institute for Peace Research and Security Policy in Hamburg, and the University of Bremen. His research focuses on transatlantic, European, and Eurasian security, particularly regional security organizations and security issues in Central Asia.