Since its independence in 1991, Tajikstan has suffered a series of political crises followed by a civil war, whose repercussions extend far beyond its borders. This work examines the causes of the turmoil, and analyzes, through the case of Tajikstan, social and political dynamics at work through Central Asia. It offers insight into questions as varied as clan and local identity, the political construction of ethnicity and the role of peacekeeping forces.

Since its independence in 1991 Tajikistan has suffered a painful series of political crises followed by a civil war, still continuing, whose repercussions extend far beyond its borders. This work examines the causes of the turmoil, and analyses, through the case of Tajikistan, social and political dynamics at work throughout Central Asia. The book is the work of eleven Central Asian experts from different disciplinary backgrounds, and provides new insight into questions as varied as clan and local identity, the political construction of ethnicity and the role of peacekeeping forces.