The emergence of independent republics following the demise of the Soviet Union has had profound implications for the regions on its periphery. Nowhere is this more apparent than in the Caucasus and Central Asia. The essays in this book explore the complex ways in which these republics have found both independence and a new regional identity in their relations with the neighbouring Middle East.

Religion, hydro-carbons, transportation needs and ethnic relations with the Gulf states have been rediscovered by the new republics - the study of which provides the basic subject matter for the book.

Experts from the Gulf and Middle East region, Russia, Western Europe, the United States and Central Asia provide insights into the historical, economic, cultural and religious, political and strategic ties between the Gulf and these new republics. The original contributions to this volume break new ground in their analytical approaches to these two dynamic and vital regions in the Asian and international systems.

The interests and activities of other regional powers are not excluded: particular attention is given to the playing out of Russian, Turkish and American interests in countering the perceived rise of political Islam in the Caucasus and Central Asia and in analysing their respective economic, political and strategic aims and objectives.