Eastward to Tartary , Robert Kaplan's first book to focus on a single region since his bestselling Balkan Ghosts , introduces readers to an explosive and little-known part of the world destined to become a tinderbox of the future. Kaplan takes us on a spellbinding journey into the heart of a volatile region, stretching from Hungary and Romania to the far shores of the oil-rich Caspian Sea. Through dramatic stories of unforgettable characters, Kaplan illuminates the tragic history of this unstable area that he describes as the new fault line between East and West. He ventures from Turkey, Syria, and Israel to the turbulent countries of the Caucasus, from the newly rich city of Baku to the deserts of Turkmenistan and the killing fields of Armenia. The result is must reading for anyone concerned about the state of our world in the decades to come.

"Small Nations and Great Powers: A Study of Ethnopolitical Conflict in the Caucasus" by Svante E. Cornell offers a comprehensive analysis of the Caucasus region's complex conflicts. The book examines the geographical, historical, and ethno-linguistic factors that have shaped the area, focusing on the Russian incorporation of the region and the resulting conflicts. Cornell delves into individual conflicts, tracing their origins and efforts toward resolution, and assesses the roles of regional powers such as Turkey, Iran, and Russia. The work concludes with a synthesis of the Caucasian conflicts and discusses the region's significance in global affairs. Published in 2001 by Curzon, the book spans 480 pages and is part of the Caucasus World series.

"Autonomy and Conflict: Ethnoterritoriality and Separatism in the South Caucasus – Cases in Georgia" is Svante E. Cornell's doctoral dissertation, published in 2002 by the Department of Peace and Conflict Research at Uppsala University. The work examines the role of territorial autonomy in fostering violent ethnic conflicts in the South Caucasus, focusing specifically on Georgia. Cornell analyzes the historical and political development of Georgia, exploring how autonomy arrangements have influenced separatist movements and ethnoterritorial disputes. The study is structured into chapters that address the roots of ethnopolitical conflict, the impact of communism and nationalism on ethnicity within the Soviet context, and the factors contributing to conflict in the region. The dissertation concludes with an analysis of the political development in Georgia and offers explanations for the emergence of ethnopolitical conflicts. This comprehensive analysis provides valuable insights into the complexities of autonomy and separatism in the South Caucasus.