Nations, Minorities and States in Central Asia/Ajay Patnaik. Kolkata, Maulana Abul Kalam Azad Institute of Asian Studies for Anamika, 2003, 266 p., ISBN 81-7975-070-1.

    Contents: Preface. Introduction. 1. Nation and state formation under the Soviets. 2. Ethnic heterogeneity and sub-national identifies. 3. National minorities since independence. 4. Identity politics and nation-building. 5. Dialectics of inclusion and exclusion in state-building. Conclusion. Bibliography. Index.

    "Central Asian countries are ethnically, linguistically and culturally diverse and heterogeneous. Since independence in 1991, many of these diversities have threatened to assume divisive dimensions and complicate the nation-building process. The states have been caught in a dilemma as to how to consolidate titular nationhood transcending internal divisions, while not scaring the minorities who are integral and essential parts of the new states.

    The book closely looks at the state policies in Central Asia that have consolidated indigenous nationhood and policies that seek to build upon a multi-ethnic and diverse society. This study also looks at identity issues in Soviet and post-Soviet times and concludes that differences in ethnic and demographic situations notwithstanding, the states in Central Asia have to reflect and represent through their policies the multi-ethnic character of their societies." (jacket)

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