As conflicts continue in Iraq and political tensions mount in China, the world is beginning to take notice of Central Asia as the crossroads between the Middle East, Asia, and Europe. "Central Asia: A Global Studies Handbook" explores the three central states of the region, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan, and provides insight to their past, present, and future.

The first of its kind, this reference work covers a wide range of topics on Central Asia as a whole. From the geography, history, and economics to politics, education, and religion, students and teachers will find this an...

Interest in the Philippines has grown substantially over recent years. "The Philippines: A Global Studies Handbook" provides an all-encompassing introduction to the dramatic history of this intriguing nation as well as the contemporary social, political, economic, religious, and artistic life, written for travelers, business people, researchers, students, or general readers.

The author, an award-winning professor of Asian studies, explores the effects of centuries of change and continuity on this fascinating, often contradictory land. It is a locals-eye view that gets straight to the...

Pakistan occupies a position of geopolitical and strategic importance for the United States. This book explains why, and reveals the reality of this little-studied country. Although Pakistan became a country only in 1947, its people and culture have a rich history. It is a Muslim state, a nuclear power, and a politically troubled land.

Pakistan stretches from the heights of the Hindu Kush to the lowlands of the Indus delta. Its people and culture are as varied as its landscape. This scholarly yet accessible work treats the full range of modern Pakistan. Its thorough examination of the...

An essential guide that goes beyond the surface of food and fantasy, "Thailand: A Global Studies Handbook" offers important insight into the nation's history, culture, politics, fine arts, religion, and language. It sheds light on many often little understood facets of everyday Thai life and customs.

The work covers a historical period of 800 years, documenting pivotal events and personalities, and presents an overview of the Thai economy, with a focus on the economic crisis of the 1990s and recent developments. Thai society is examined in detail, including education and the monarchy,...

Throughout its imperial golden ages, China was the world's most developed nation, home to advanced technologies, a robust economy, and thriving cities. Its thousands of years of cultural and artistic achievements combined with its vastness and ethnic complexity have made China both fascinating and forbidding for those encountering it for the first time.

This new volume offers readers a concise, single-stop introduction to Chinese history, culture, economics, politics, and social issues. As they trace China's history from the creation stories of ancient Chinese myths to the Communist...