Towards Social Stability and Democratic Governance in Central Eurasia: challenges to regional security
Towards Social Stability and Democratic Governance in Central Eurasia: challenges to regional security
(IOS Press: NATO Science Series, Amsterdam 2005)
edited by Dr I. Morozova.
Venue:
University of Amsterdam
Zaal Heren XVII, Bushuis
Kloveniersburgwal 48, 1012 CX Amsterdam
Date:
Monday, 19 December 2005
Programme:
15:00coffee
15:25Welcome by Director of the IIAS, Prof. Wim Stokhof
15:30-15:45Presentation by Dr Irina Morozova
15:45-16:30Lecture by Prof. Andrei Volodin: Russia and the Security Challenges in Central Eurasia
16:30-16:35First copies to be officially presented by Dr Irina Morozova
16:30-16:45Discussion and question time
16:45-18:00Reception, drinks
Abstract of the publication:
Through migrations, invasions, trade and cultural exchange, developments in Central Eurasia (the nine Central Eurasian states - Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Mongolia, Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia) have, for millennia, impacted upon the history of both Europe and Asia. For the last three hundred years, Central Eurasia has been the stage upon which great empires clashed. Following the dissolution of the Soviet Union, Central Eurasia has once again emerged as a region of geo-political concern.
The new 'centrality' of Central Eurasia brings new security threats: repressive political regimes and marginalisation of whole groups of the population inflame conflicts that spill across national borders. Illegal migration and the illicit production and trade of drugs, territorial disputes, border conflicts and competition for resources among the Central Eurasian ethnicities are the direct outcome of social-economic destabilization in Central Eurasia. As a direct neighbour to the turbulent Middle East, the region is a potential playground for extremist movements: radical Islamic groups and terrorist organizations.
The book presents scientific discussions on the historical development of Central Eurasia and its socio-cultural legacies; Soviet and contemporary state organization, social transformation and communal structures; the current economic conditions as a precursor to social stability and development; and geo-political arrangements and political changes over the last two decades.