This course examines the countries of Central Asia in their contemporary context, including Afghanistan, Kazakhstan, Kirgizstan, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. It will also focus on the region's relationship to the U.S., to Russia and to China. Each session will cover a separate country or resource from historical, political and cultural points of view. Extensive reference will be made to post-Soviet politics, energy and drug issues, and the question of Islamic fundamentalism.