Description
Book SynopsisConflict and Peace in Central Eurasia combines theory with in-depth description and systematic analyses of ethnoterritorial conflict and coexistence in Central Eurasia. Central Eurasia is at the heart of the Eurasian continent around the Caspian Sea. Much of this macro-region is made up of the post-Soviet republics in Central Asia and the Caucasus, but it also covers other areas, such as parts of Russia and Iran. Central Eurasia is subject to a number of ethnoterritorial conflicts. Yet at the same time, a large number of ethnic groups, speaking different languages and following different religions, coexist peacefully in this macro-region. Babak Rezvani explains ethno-territorial conflicts not only by focusing on these conflicts but also by comparing all cases of conflict and coexistence in (post-)Soviet Central Asia, the Caucasus and Fereydan, the so-called Iranian little Caucasus. Aiming at formulating new theories, this book makes use of qualitative comparative analysis (QCA), as well as case studies and statistical analyses. It provides an innovative and interesting contribution to Eurasian Studies and Conflict Analysis, and at the same time demonstrates a detailed knowledge of the relevant literature. Based on thorough research, the study offers a deep and insightful history of the areas and conflicts concerned.
Table of ContentsPreface Chapter One. Introduction The Regions The Structure of the Book Chapter Two. Theoretical Framework Ethno-Territorial Conflict Ethnos and Ethnicity State, Nation and Nationalism The Causes of Ethno-Territorial Conflict Power of Culture: Religion, Language and Ethnic Kinship Power of History: Traumatic Peak Experiences Political and Economic Grievances State in Disarray Ethno-Political Systems and Opportunity Structures Ethno-Geographic Configuration Chapter Three. The Legacy of the Iranian and Soviet Ethno-Political Systems and Policies The Soviet Union and Its Successor States The Soviet Nationalities Policy: Historical Underpinnings The Soviet Union on the Eve of its Collapse and Beyond Iran Ethnic and Religious Policies in Iran: Historical Underpinnings Territorial Administrative Policies in Iran: Historical Underpinnings Ethnic, Religious and Territorial Administrative Policies in Iran: The Contemporary Situation Conclusion: Ethno-Political Systems and Ethno-Territorial Conflict Chapter Four. Methods Ethno-Territorial Groups and Encounters Ethno-Territorial Conflict Explaining Conditions Analyzing the Dataset Chapter Five. Ethno-Territorial Conflicts in the Caucasus and Central Asia Political-Territorial History of the South Caucasus The Karabakh Conflict Ethno-Territorial Conflicts in Georgia: South Ossetia and Abkhazia Political-Territorial History of the North Caucasus The Ossetian-Ingush Conflict over Prigorodny Wars in Chechnya Political Territorial History of Central Asia The Tajikistani Civil War and the Role Played by Tajiks, Uzbeks and Pamiris Uzbek-Kyrgyz Conflict in Southern Kyrgyzstan Conclusion: Patterns of Ethno-Territorial Conflict Chapter Six. Analysis: Searching for Explanations The Myth of Shatterbelts Testing the Explaining Conditions Separately Qualitative Comparative Analysis Conclusion Chapter Seven. It Was a Winter Morning: Conclusions Research Results Discussion Recommendations References Index
