Islam in Russia: The Politics of Identity and Security: The Politics of Identity and Security: The Politics of Identity and Security - Softcover

"Whether relations between the West and Islam ever erupt into 'war,' which the editors of the London Economist judge 'by no means impossible,' is a question Russia's sensitive relations with its Muslim neighbors and its own 20 million Muslim citizens will help determine. For that reason, this important book arrives at a critical time. Policymakers and scholars alike will benefit from the insights and data this major study provides." - Charles William Maynes, President, Eurasia Foundation; "Shireen Hunter and her collaborators have provided us with a comprehensive study of the 'Islamic factor' in Russia today, focusing on both domestic and foreign policy implications. A very useful book on a very important topic." - Edward W. Walker, University of California, Berkeley; "This is a splendid book. Dr. Hunter makes a real contribution with this painstaking analysis of Islam in Russia. She clearly notes not only the fragmented nature of Russian Islam, but also demonstrates Islam's role in Russian domestic politics and foreign policy. I expect that this will be a major reference work for many years to come." - Robert O. Freedman, Baltimore Hebrew University"

This richly detailed study traces the shared history of Russia and Islam in expanding compass - from the Tatar civilization within the Russian heartland, to the conquered territories of the Caucasus and Central Asia, to the larger geopolitical and security context of contemporary Russia on the civilizational divide. The study's distinctive analytical drive stresses political and geopolitical relationships over time and into the very complicated present. Rich with insight, the book is also an incomparable source of factual information about Russia's Muslim populations, religious institutions, political organizations, and ideological movements.