Explores the geography, resources, societies, political systems and economies of the newly independent states of Central Asia, including Afghanistan and Azerbaijan. Devotes special attention to the role of Islam, security issues, the Russian diaspora, generational change and the climate for foreign investment. (Recommended for subfields 4 and 6.) (This is a cross-listed course offered by the Russian and Eurasian Studies Program that also can fulfill a requirement for the Asian Studies Program.)