Central Asia's Economic Rebirth in the Shadow of the New Great Game

<p>This volume describes the unique development of Central Asia as defined by its landlocked geography. Particular attention is paid to the achievements and challenges of the region’s post-Soviet economic and political transformation, as well as to its relationship with the participants in the New Great Game – Russia, China and the West. Located as it is in the geographical centre of booming Asia, and with the opportunity to become a key logistics bridge connecting the world’s largest economies, Central Asia is well placed for rapid development. However, the region faces a range of complex problems that are explained and analysed in the volume. The Eurasian powers that encircle Central Asia look certain to become the engines of global economic growth, but how will this affect the region? Will Central Asia join the powerful locomotive of history, or will it remain on the sidelines?</p> <p><i>Foreword by Michel Camdessus</i></p><p>Preface</p><p>Acknowledgements</p><p>Introduction </p><p>Part I. Great History is Behind Us</p><p>1. The Silk Road: Connecting Cultures, Creating Trust</p><p>2. Thirty Years after the Soviet Union </p><p>Part II. Post-Soviet Transformation</p><p>3. Economic Transformation</p><p>4. Leading Economic Players </p><p>5. Infrastructure</p><p>6. Transport Resistance and Logistics</p><p>7. Eurasian Railway Revolution</p><p>8. The Future of Rail: Lessons from China</p><p>9. Energy</p><p>10. Water</p><p>11. Governance and Institutions</p><p>Part III. Political Challenges</p><p>12. The Fergana Valley and its Conflicts</p><p>13. Political Upheavals</p><p>Part IV. Neighbourhoods</p><p>14. Eurasian Economic Integration</p><p>15. The Belt and Road Initiative </p><p>16. China's Loans to the World and Central Asia</p><p>17. Afghanistan: Continuation of War or Revival of Greater Central Asia?</p><p>Conclusion</p><p>Index</p>