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This book provides a comprehensive survey of the emergence of five newly independent countries in Central Asia namely Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan and its impact on the politics of the region. The main focus of this volume is on the political development in Central Asia after the disintegration of the Soviet Union. Historically, the region has played a central role in shaping the Euro-Asian civilization. The Central Asian region was under the domination of Russia for more than a century. The ethno-religious fervour in the Central Asian republics is a question of grave concern as it poses a serious threat not only to political stability of the newly emergent regimes but, also to neighbouring countries. The rise of Islamic extremism in these newly independent countries of Central Asia is perceived to have serious implications for the security of Russia and China. The study also addresses the recent socio-cultural and political developments in these states with reference to the lingering legacy of Tsarist and Soviet rule, the emerging new political system, nascent democratic aspirations of their people and the resurgence of Islamic political identity, etc. This volume is significant contribution to the field of knowledge on the post-Soviet Central Asia.