The Central Asia–Afghanistan Relationship

This book is a wonderful study that tackles a question most Central Asia experts sidestep: What does being in Afghanistan’s neighborhood mean exactly? Marlene Laruelle has convened a unique group of experts to answer this question head on and, along the way, channels her deep knowledge of Central Asia and Russia to Afghanistan. The result is an excellent collection of essays that temper predictions of a region on the verge of collapse and make it clear that Afghanistan’s neighbors have been no more and no less difficult to live next to than Afghanistan itself. The book is thought-provoking reading for the world’s diplomats who will inevitably have to rethink policies in Central Asia and Afghanistan in the coming years. -- George Gavrilis, author of The Dynamics of Interstate Boundaries
In this timely and well-edited volume, The Central Asia–Afghanistan Relationship: From Soviet Intervention to the Silk Road Initiatives, Marlene Laruelle brings together a diverse group of academics and regional experts to explain the often overlooked dynamics that exist between Afghanistan and its northern neighbors. The contributions offer a range of perspectives on the often tumultuous relationships Afghanistan has had (and hopes to have) with the states of Central Asia. Often, these were framed by the actions of outside powers, but increasingly, the countries themselves are shaping it. In this volume, the contributors demonstrate intimate knowledge of the region, providing data, explanations of events, and more locally-derived explanations for what has transpired over the past several decades. Historians and policy experts—especially those who are working to bring stability and connectivity to Afghanistan—will find Marlene Laruelle’s latest effort to be essential reading. -- Roger D. Kangas, National Defense University
The long understudied and misunderstood set of relationships, current trends, and threats in Central Asia and Afghanistan point to what is likely to be a regional security flashpoint that may abruptly surprise us all. Marlene Laruelle has brought together some of the world's top scholars on Central Asia and Afghanistan to produce this authoritative look at this region and its fragile security relationships. This collection should be a must read for those studying the region. -- Raffaello Pantucci, Royal United Services Institute for Defence and Security Studies