Description
Book SynopsisHeartlands of Eurasia explores how received metageographical knowledge informs the understanding of global processes and is subsequently transformed into geopolitical reasoning with foreign policy implications. It provides a detailed examination of writings, from both within the region and outside, that look into the significance of Halford Mackinder''s heritage in the context of a vastly changed world situation. In particular, it attempts to examine how policy makers and strategic thinkers have used these geopolitical concepts as justification for their policy in the region. Finally, it attempts an analysis of the extent to which this policy thinking was translated into practice. While the study looks into how the vision of the pivotal significance of a vast expanse of land finds its echoes in contemporary narratives, it also underlines the very creative ways in which Mackinder''s ideas have been reinterpreted in keeping with the changing global dynamics. Making use of the way in wh
Trade ReviewThe book is a fascinating and in-depth study about the interpretations and re-interpretations of Halford Mackinder's theory of 'pivot of history' and heartlands now understood as Eurasia. Although the theory has been debated and expanded over the decades, it has lost neither its significance nor its relevance. In Russia, the debate about Eurasianism is a perennial one. Where does Russia's destiny lie? Is Central Asia Mackinder's pivot of history? Viewed from the perspectives of space, identity, ethnic composition, and natural resources, Central Asia is the pivot and Uzbekistan its center. These aspects are here examined in detail, and the author is to be highly commended for incorporating the views of Central Asian scholars and leaders. A valuable contribution to knowledge and learning. -- Nirmala Joshi, India-Central Asia Foundation
Table of ContentsChapter 1 Introduction Chapter 2 Chapter 1. Where Is the "Heartland"? Chapter 3 Chapter 2. Russian Debates on Eurasia: To Be or Not to Be in the "Heartland" Chapter 4 Chapter 3. Imagining Central Asia: The Geopolitics of Naming Chapter 5 Chapter 4. Metageography and Central Asian Perceptions of the "Heartland" Chapter 6 Chapter 5. Imagined Spaces and Imagined Nations: Conceptualizing "Uzbek" Space Chapter 7 Chapter 6. Discourses on the "Heartland" Chapter 8 Conclusion
