The disintegration of former USSR and the subsequent emergence of independent
Central Asian Republics, changed the balance of power in this region. Due to its
geographical proximity to China, Russia, West Asia and South Asia, this region
emerged as a distinct geopolitical entity stimulating global attention and
interest. These Republics which passed through a delicate stage of
transformation into a new political, social and economic order, have
successfully completed their transition into sovereign independent statehood.
Ethnic complexities in Central Asia, ethno-religious resurgence and adverse
impact of Afghanistan crisis, cross-border terrorism, bloody civil war in
Tajikistan, problems of nation building, transition to market economy,
infrastructure development, democratization, competition for pipeline