Nationalism and Identity Construction in Central Asia

More than two decades after the break-up of the Soviet Union, Central Asian republicsKazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistancontinue to reexamine and debate whom and what they represent. Nationalism and Identity Construction in Central Asia explores the complex and controversial process of identity formation in the region using a 3D framework, which stands for Dimensions, Dynamics, and Directions of nation building. The first part of the frameworkdimensionsunderscores the new and complex ways in which nationalisms and identities manifest themselves in Central Asia. The second partdynamicsis premised on the idea that nationalisms and identity construction in the Central Asian republics may indicate some continuities with the past, but are more concerned with legitimation of the present power politics in these states. It calls for the identification of the main actors, strategies, tactics, interests, and reactions to the processes of nationalism and identity construction. The third part of the frameworkdirectionsaddresses implications of nationalisms and identity construction in Central Asia for regional and international peace and cooperation. Jointly, the chapters of the volume address domestic and international-level dimensions, dynamics, and directions of identity formation in Central Asia. What unites these works is their shared modern and post-modern understanding of nations, nationalisms, and identities as discursive, strategic, and tactical formations. They are viewed as constructed and imagined and therefore continuously changing, but also fragmented and contested.