This survey by scholars, experts and politicians with knowledge of, and influence in, the Caucasus region reflects its many conflicting ethnic groups and nations. An introductory section deals with the entire region from the historical perspective, drawing special attention to its geographical importance and relations with the former Soviet Union and the present Russian Federation. Subsequent essays analyse the ethnic and national problems in North Caucasus, Transcaucasus, Abkhazia, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Crimea, Nagorno-Karabakh and Chechenia. The concluding articles discuss the Turkish influence on Caucasian conflicts.