Since their independence in 1991, the former Soviet Republics have gone through difficult transition processes to achieve cultural, economical and political transformations. Diverse internal dynamics have produced diverse outcomes for the countries and peoples of the former Soviet space. While there are different results of transition, there are also similarities due to many common concerns and expectations. The most important question is, What have these new states transformed into where democracy, free market, and functioning civil society are concerned? Or, Has the transformation led to...

Consisting of former Soviet Republics, the Eurasian region has drawn international attention due to its geopolitical significance and hydrocarbon resources, which has prompted the US and other external powers like China, Turkey, Iran, the European Union and India to actively engage themselves in the region. Russia is once again emerging as a central player in the region as it moves towards stabilizing its economy and political system. At the same time, given the pluralities within the region, there are multiple conflicts based on ethnic, religious and geopolitical discontents, making the...