A Central Asian Perspective on International Law

This important new study shows how international law is shaping the global standing of the Central Asian States.

This book offers a comprehensive overview of international law in the light of contemporary challenges facing Central Asian States. The Central Asian States (Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan) are increasingly gaining in significance as international players. During the Soviet period, they were only nominally sovereign States but since 1991, they became full-fledged members of the international community, and have, ever since, been constructing their respective schools of international law. Unresolved border disputes, regional migration, drug trafficking, human trafficking, disputes over water, the rise of terrorism are just a few challenges, which require Central Asian States´ cooperation among themselves, and with other States. The competing interests of especially China, Russia, the United States, and the European Union in the region are adding to the complex mosaic of regional dynamics. This study shows the relevance and utility of international law in resolving those issues, in the interdisciplinary context of international relations, international institutions, and sociology of law. From a pedagogical perspective, the book identifies challenges to teaching international law in Central Asia, including curricular issues, independence of higher education institutions, language issues, influence of various foreign schools of international law doctrine, etc., and explores ways to integrate the Central Asian schools of international law in a broader Asian and international picture.