In this well-researched and fascinating book, noted journalist
Thomas de Waal--author of the highly acclaimed Black Garden--makes
the case that while the Caucasus is often treated as a sub-plot in
the history of Russia, or as a mere gateway to Asia, the five-day
war in Georgia, which flared into a major international crisis in
2008, proves that this is still a combustible region, whose inner
dynamics and history deserve a much more complex appreciation from
the wider world.
In The Caucasus, de Waal provides this richer, deeper, and
much-needed appreciation, one that reveals that the South
Caucasus--Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Georgia, and their many smaller
regions, enclaves, and breakaway entities--is a fascinating and
distinct world unto itself. Providing both historical background
and an insightful analysis of the period after 1991, de Waal sheds
light on how the region has been scarred by the tumultuous scramble
for independence and the three major
conflicts that broke out with the end of the Soviet Union--Nagorny
Karabakh, Abkhazia, and South Ossetia. The book examines the region
as a major energy producer and exporter; offers a compelling
account of the Rose Revolution in Georgia, the rise of Mikheil
Saakashvili, and the August 2008 war; and considers the
failure of the South Caucasus, thus far, to become a single viable
region. In addition, the book features a dozen or so
"boxes" which provide brief snapshots of such fascinating
side topics as the Kurds, Turkish-Armenian rapprochement, the
promotion of the region as the "Soviet Florida," and the
most famous of all Georgians, Stalin.
The Caucasus delivers a vibrantly written and timely account of
this turbulent region, one that will prove indispensable for all
concerned with world politics. It is, as well, a stimulating read
for armchair travellers and for anyone curious about far-flung
corners of the world.
"Nobody has dealt with today's Transcaucasia as lucidly as Thomas de Waal." (Donald Rayfield, Times Literary Supplement)
Nobody has dealt with today's Transcaucasia as lucidly as Thomas de Waal. Donald Rayfield, Times Literary Supplement Astute...Lucis and scrupulous account...De Waal [is] among [the region's] best interpretors. John Lloyd, Financial Times As a clear, brief guide to the countries of south Caucasus, it would be hard to do better than this book. The Economist A compact but rich book. C. J. Chivers, New York Times Blog It is refreshing - almost starlting - to read a book of the Caucasus with such a cool, dispassionate take. C. J. Chivers, New York Times Blog
Thomas de Waal has worked as a journalist and expert on the Caucasus and Russia since 1992 for, amongst others, the BBC, the Times of London, the Economist and the Institute for War and Peace Reporting.
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