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The disintegration of former USSR and the subsequent emergence of independent Central Asian Republics, changed the balance of power in this region. Due to its geographical proximity to China, Russia, West Asia and South Asia, this region emerged as a distinct geopolitical entity stimulating global attention and interest. These republics which passed through a delicate stage of transformation into a new political, social and economic order, have successfully completed their transition into sovereign independent statehood. Ethnic complexities in Central Asia, ethno-religious resurgence and adverse impact of Afghanistan crisis, cross-border terrorism, bloody civil war in Tajikistan, problems of nation building, transition to market economy, infrastructure development, democratization, competition for pipeline routes and energy resources have been the key issues in post-Soviet Central Asia. The study presents an integrated view of the momentous changes taking place in the five Central Asian Republics since their independence. Whole range of issues related to the experience of these Republics in their nation-building, democratization, economic development, regional cooperation, building of bilateral and multi-lateral relationships, impact of Afghanistan crisis over the developments in Central Asia etc. have been analysed in depth. The book not only consolidates the Indian scholarly contributions in the field of Central Asian studies, but also provides the Central Asian perspectives as presented by the scholars from Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan.