During the Yeltsin era, Russian interest in Central Asia lapsed. Under Vladimir Putin, Russia has moved to strengthen its role in the region because of Islamic fundamentalism, fear of displacement by America, and the presence of oil and natural gas reserves. The problem is that Putin has relied upon local authoritarian leaders for influence, which exposes Russia to regional political change.

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© 2005 by The Regents of the University of California. All rights reserved.
2005
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