The struggle between Russia and Great Britain over Central Asia in the nineteenth century was the original "great game." But in the past quarter century, a new "great game" has emerged, pitting America against a newly aggressive Russia and a resource-hungry China, all struggling for influence over one of the volatile areas in the world: the long border region stretching from Iran through Pakistan to Kashmir. In Great Games, Local Rules, Alexander Cooley, one of America's most respected Central Asia experts, explores the dynamics of the new competition over the region since 9/11. All three great powers are pursuing important goals: basing rights for the US, access to natural resources for the Chinese, and increased political influence for the Russians. But Central Asian governments have proven themselves powerful forces in their own right, establishing local rules that serve to fend off foreign involvement, enrich themselves and reinforce their sovereign authority. Cooley's careful and surprising explanation of how small states interact with great powers in this vital region greatly advances our understanding of how world politics actually works in this contemporary era.

About the Author
Alexander Cooley is the Tow Professor for Distinguished Scholars and Practitioners in the Department of Political Science at Barnard College and Columbia University. His books include Contracting States, Logics of Hierarchy, and Base Politics.

Reviews
Great Games, Local Rules is a timely contribution ... this concise book (under 200 pages) with handy subheadings every two pages or so is recommended reading for journalists and students who want to brush up on the developments of the last ten years. In turn, Cooley has brought Central Asia to a wider academic audience. * Annabelle Chapman, LSE Review of Books *
Alexander Cooley challenges the conventional wisdom about the new 'Great Game' in this wide-ranging and compelling book. * Angela Stent, Survival *
It is an important book that deserves to be widely read among scholars of IR who seek to make sense of what 'multipolarity' means today. * John Heathershaw, International Affairs *
a highly readable, richly researched and insightful book that explores the increasingly intensifying interaction between China, Russia and the USA. ...Cooley has produced an excellent study of the region that should be required reading for scholars, policy makers, and interested students. * Johannes Olschner, The Royal Society for Asian Affairs *



Book Information
ISBN 9780199929825
Author Alexander Cooley
Format Hardback
Page Count 272
Imprint Oxford University Press Inc
Publisher Oxford University Press Inc
Dimensions(mm) 155mm * 236mm * 25mm