The work provides a clear and yet a thought provoking understanding of the dynamics and challenges of Central Asia and the Caucasus. It aims to raise awareness of the important opportunities and risks which the region faces and represents. However, this book is not only about Central Asia and the Caucasus and its role in Eurasia, it is also written for readers in that region. The book consists of papers that originally served as background documents for a conference of experts and leaders from the region. The goal of the conference was to find practical ways to enhance sustainable growth and welfare in Central Asia.

The book explores five issues to have been found worthwhile addressing at this stage: political rivalry and competition among the countries of the region, trade and transport, oil and gas resources, the business environments, and how the countries coped with the consequences of the global crisis of 2008-09.

The Central Asia and the Caucasus region is a region that deserves much attention internationally and urgently needs more cooperation among the countries themselves so as to ensure a stable and prosperous future for this region and thus to secure its essential role as a hub of Eurasian integration. This volume hopes to contribute in small measure to this important set of goals.