Matthew Crosston - Böcker

Is the United States, in its fight against terror and pursuit of Osama Bin Laden, recklessly creating conditions in Central Asia to produce the next Bin Laden? Matthew Crosston studies this controversial argument in his political analysis of US foreign policy on Central Asia. He looks specifically at the 'no-man's land nexus' connecting Tajikistan, Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan and the heart of Central Asian Islamic radicalism - the Fergana Valley. This book breaks new ground by examining in unflinching detail the unwitting role US foreign policy plays in fomenting that 'hot zone' and extremism, producing a new generation of Islamic radicals. University courses that deal with US foreign policy, international security, terrorism and/or Eurasian politics will want to make this book required reading.

Originally published in 2004. Examining autonomy in the Russian Federation, Matthew Crosston ascertains how the regional use of bilateral autonomy treaties has influenced the long-term stability, legitimacy and efficacy of the state. The study challenges some long-accepted conclusions about democratization and the devolution of power, advancing into new international arenas Riker and Dahl's relatively-ignored theoretical concerns that decentralized federations are ineffective and disintegrative while centralized federations are consolidating. Scholars of Russian politics, democratization, ethnic conflict, comparative intergovernmental relations and development will find this book particularly stimulating.

Originally published in 2004. Examining autonomy in the Russian Federation, Matthew Crosston ascertains how the regional use of bilateral autonomy treaties has influenced the long-term stability, legitimacy and efficacy of the state. The study challenges some long-accepted conclusions about democratization and the devolution of power, advancing into new international arenas Riker and Dahl's relatively-ignored theoretical concerns that decentralized federations are ineffective and disintegrative while centralized federations are consolidating. Scholars of Russian politics, democratization, ethnic conflict, comparative intergovernmental relations and development will find this book particularly stimulating.

Bringing together twelve experts from nine countries, this volume explores intelligence and diplomatic activities, both historical and contemporary, in the Balkan region. Covering a wide range of periods and radically different historical conditions, the various contributions are united by a common theme: the intimate relationship between diplomacy and intelligence. Subjects include: the Venetian dragomans of Zara; ‘informal diplomacy’ between Bulgaria and Turkey; ‘diplomacy without a state’ (Adam Czartoryski’s ‘embassy’ in Paris); diplomacy and diplomats in the Kingdom of Yugoslavia (1918-1943); case studies on diplomats Otto von Essen, Stojan Novakovič, Adam Czartoryski, Josip Djerdja, and Jovan Dučić; British policy toward Albania during the Second World War; diplomatic relations between Switzerland and Albania; the 1992 ‘arms delivery scandal’ in Bulgaria; and the normalization of Bulgarian bilateral relations with Turkey. "A volume of notable orginality, both in respecte of its disciplinary contribution to the history of intelligence and diplomacy, but also in its geographical focus. As is demonstrated admirably in this collection of papers, the Balkans have been down the centuries and remain an area of competing strategic interests." - Dennis Deletant, Emeritus Professor, School of Slavonic and East European Studies, University College London