The Caucasus ─ An Introduction

"Thomas de Waal has written one of the most vivid, clear-minded accounts of the history and current troubles of the lands between Russia and Turkey. The Caucasus defies easy explanation, and de Waal deftly untangles the webs of mystification and obfuscation that have so often marred our understanding of why this rich and beautiful region, a cradle of diverse civilizations, has failed so miserably to realize its promise." Ronald Grigor Suny, The University of Michigan

"Europe and Asia, mountains and flatlands, Christians and Mustims, ancient cultures and modern states---the Caucasus has long been a classic borderland in many senses. Blending first-hand reporting, historical narratives, and original research. The Caucasus is an indispensable guide to the fractious politics and complicated histories of the region's nations and peoples." Charles King, author of the Ghost of Freedom: A History of the Caucasus

"This is the definitive text for anyone interested in this complex region. De Waal describes the deep roots of current conflicts and his analysis of the present situation is right on target. It should be required reading for anyone involved in Caucasian affairs." Richard Miles, former U.S. Ambassador to Azerbaijan and Georgia

"The Caucasus is a mini-encyclopedia, and de Waal a peerless guide for navigating this mountainous maze of tangled enmities and ethnicities." Andrew Meier, author of the Lost Spy: An American in Stalin's Secret Service

Georgia, Armenia and Azerbaijan and the breakaway territories within them constitute one of the most diverse and challenging regions on earth, intimidating the first-time visitor with their multi-layered history, ethnic complexity, and seemingly intractable conflicts. Over the last few years, the South Caucasus has captured international attention again because of its role in disputes between the West and Russia, its unresolved ethnic conflicts, and its role as a crucial energy transport corridor to Europe. The Caucasus is an essential guide to the region, covering its history, Russia's role there from tsarist times to the Soviet era, its energy politics, and Georgia's extraordinary recent past from the 2003 Rose Revolution to the Five-Day War of 2008.

Thomas De Waal is a Senior Associate on the Caucasus at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. He is the author of Black Garden and co-author with Carlotta Gall of Chechnya.