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Power, networks and violent conflict in Central Asia: a comparison of Tajikistan and Uzbekistan

responses and Tajikistan’s economy becoming integrated with ‘China’s overall economic outlook’, meaning that ‘Sino-Tajik cooperation is now better than it has ever been’ (163). As for Turkmenistan, bilateral relations with China are described, with the 2014 energy partnership paving the way for unparalleled optimism regarding future cooperation. China’s investment in pipeline construction opened Turkmenistan’s gas beyond a Russia monopoly, offering consistent revenue and funds for development. Lastly, a strategic partnership with Uzbekistan was started in 2012, with the ‘core’ being energy, but it also includes economic, security, political and cultural relations. Following the 2005 Andijan crisis, which cost Uzbekistan support from the United States, China filled the ‘void’ left by the Americans, and now ‘Beijing and Tashkent closely coordinate on issues of regional security’ in addition to Uzbekistan’s strong ties with the Russian military (205). Olimat concludes the book by summarizing the themes and analysing the potential for future relations, arguing that a variety of ‘essential elements would make China’s involvement in the region a mutually beneficial endeavor’, such as China avoiding the image of being a colonial power, Chinese businesses being sensitive to local economic concerns and China understanding Islam’s role in Central Asia (214). China and Central Asia in the Post-Soviet Era is a solid scholarly contribution on China’s foreign relations and involvement in Central Asia. Olimat successfully examines China’s postSoviet foreign relations with each Central Asian country and discusses nations that are competing with China for influence in the region. However, the book could have examined Russia’s more aggressive trade efforts, and Central Asian cooperation with South Asia, which shapes China’s role in the region. Moreover, the United States’ New Silk Road engagement has been developing regional cooperation and enhanced high-level American interest in Central Asia. The book also examines the economics and political ties in bilateral relations, but could have focused more on how these relations shape the lives of the people in those countries. Nonetheless, it is a good introduction for those who want to learn about China–Central Asian relations.