Abstract
<jats:p>This monograph in devoted to the key political events and processes that have shaped the Central Asian states, spanning from the period immediately preceding their formation through the end of the first quarter of the 21st century. It addresses a juncture at which the development trajectories of each country are being reconfigured by a new geopolitical landscape, marking the advent of a qualitatively distinct era for the region. The author analyzes the overarching phases of state-building within each republic, the transformation of national elites and specific instances of power transition, ethnopolitical and religious dynamics, and the conditions and nuances underlying the conceptual and practical articulation of foreign policy foundations. Particular attention is devoted to the conflict episodes of this period — including interethnic strife — assessed through the lens of their enduring impact on subsequent development. The study places special emphasis on the history of each country’s bilateral relations with Russia, as well as their engagement with other pivotal external actors. This publication is intended for scholars specializing in international relations, historians, area studies specialists, political scientists, and all those with a keen interest in the contemporary political history of Central Asia. It may also serve as supplementary reading for academic programs in International Relations, Oriental Studies, History, Political Science, and Conflict Studies.</jats:p>