The author assesses U.S. security interests and military activities in Central Asia. She notes that strengthening the Central Asian states against terrorism and assisting their transition to stable and prosperous nations are difficult and fraught with danger. In particular, there is the risk that the U.S. military presence in the region and security assistance to repressive regimes might taint America. If not astutely managed, this strategy could have the opposite of the intended results and generate increased instability, spark anti-Americanism, and antagonize Russia and China. To avoid this, Dr. Wishnick advocates a multilateral strategy that integrates the military, political, and economic elements of national power and prods the Central Asian regimes toward reform.

"October 2002."

Post 9/11 policy shifts -- U.S. military engagement in Central Asia -- New challenges and U.S. military responses -- Challenges for the U.S. military -- Weak regional institutions -- Great power cooperation: driving forces and fault lines -- Deepening domestic instability in Central Asia -- Conclusions and policy recommendations.