Stable Outside, Fragile Inside?

As you may have noticed, I usually post something after I read a book; however, with this book, I almost didn't. There are some interesting ideas in this book, Stable Outside, Fragile Inside?: Post-Soviet Statehood in Central Asia, edited by Emilian Kavalski, but I found that the articles didn't really complement one another well. The first part of the book deals with different analytic perspectives on post-soviet statehood in Central Asia: (1) democratization literature, (2) "clan" politics, (3) international political economy, (4) post-colonialism. The second part treats each country separately (the volume does not address Afghanistan as a member of Central Asia), giving a profile of each with special attention to democratic/economic reform.

The most fascinating section was the chapter on post-colonialism in Central Asia. Apparently, this perspective on political development has not been applied comprehensively to the region; on top of this, there is lively debate as to the exact nature of Soviet Union's "imperialism" and whether it can be labeled as colonialism. The Soviet Union preached the importance of ethnic nationalism while simultaneously a fidelity to the Union, creating an odd, seemingly contradictory policy.

Kavalski's introduction essay was useful in framing the question of how to characterize Central Asian domestic politics. He refuses to label them "failed" states, arguing that a more appropriate designation would be "awkward" states. Although monopoly of violence is sometimes questioned, especially during bumpy transitions, the country functions in a somewhat ad hoc manner. There is also a question of whether or not Central Asian problems can legitimately be explained away as a phase inherent in a "transitional period." The closed nature of many states with autocratic super-presidential regimes were first seen as merely a necessary stage on the route to democratic reform. However, time and again the international community has been disappointed as countries backslide into corruption and nepotistic rule. Even Kyrgyzstan, at the outset of independence regarded as an "island of democracy" took a turn for the worst.

Not a book I would recommend. I did ransack the bibliography for some good sources though. Julia has recommended Inside Central Asia to me before, which seems to be getting good reviews; sadly, the library consortium has misplaced their copy!

General Updates:

• Watched the Commissioners battle it out editing a section of the annual report today. Was an interesting view into the way US government commissions work. A highlight of it was bumping into Ian Talley as he walked into the room, was quite a surprise!
• Had the pleasure of Skyping with Sorin yesterday. Considering taking a trip to Romania to visit him while I'm in Jordan (apparently the tickets are cheap).
• Helped Sammy do some moving yesterday into the new place. Nice place!

Reading Updates:

• Started reading Postwar by Tony Judt, a history of Europe since 1945. I bought it my freshman year of college, but didn't crack it open yet. I'm about 100 pages into this 830 page volume and it's fantastic so far.
• Also started Trellis and the Vine that I got at one of the Wednesday bible study book giveaways.