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.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR Ajay Patnaik
Dr. Ajay Kumar Patnaik is Professor and former Chairperson in the Centre for Russian and Central Asian Studies, School of International Studies, Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), New Delhi. A PhD from JNU, Prof. Patnaik was Visiting Scholar in the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences, University of Cambridge, UK (1992-93); ICSSR Exchange Scholar at the Institute of Ethnography, Moscow (1999) and at the Institute of Oriental Studies, Moscow (2010); Visiting Solanki Professor and Scholar in Residence at Yadunandan Centre for Indian Studies, California State University, USA (2006). He has authored three books—Nations, Minorities and States in Central Asia (2003), Central Asia: Between Modernity and Tradition (1995) and Perestroika and Women Labour Force in Soviet Central Asia (1989). Prof. Patnaik has contributed many articles and research papers in referred journals such as Europe-Asia Studies, Frontiers of Sociology, Security and Society, Turkic Civilisation Studies, History Research, Contemporary Central Asia, Dialogue and World Focus. He has edited six books and presented numerous research papers in International Seminars/Conferences in India and abroad.
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