This book argues that the weakness of civil society in the post-Soviet Caucasus is a result not only of post-communist political and economic problems, but also of the effects of historical legacies. These influence both formal and informal civil societies and weaken the countries' ability to facilitate democratisation.
"Fruitfully combining empirical evidence and personal experience, Huseyn Aliyev succeeds in casting new light on the legacy of Soviet authoritarianism in weakening civil society, hampering democratization and building peace in the Caucasus. This original study is a required reading for those who want to understand the political crises in the Caucasus." Dennis Dijkzeul, Institute for International Law of Peace and Armed Conflict, Ruhr-Universität, Bochum, Germany
"Dr Aliyev's book is an insightful examination of the weaknesses of civil society in the Caucasus. In detailing the continued impact of the Soviet legacy, he shows how political regimes can have broad-reaching effects long after their demise, and thus makes a fruitful contribution to the literature on democratisation." James Headley, Senior Lecturer, Department of Politics, University of Otago, New Zealand
"This book is an important contribution to the research on post-communist civil society and the contentious politics of the Caucasus region. It is the first book length treatment of the development of civil society in the contemporary Caucasus region." Chris Rudd, University of Otago, New Zealand
"Dr Aliyev's book is an insightful examination of the weaknesses of civil society in the Caucasus. In detailing the continued impact of the Soviet legacy, he shows how political regimes can have broad-reaching effects long after their demise, and thus makes a fruitful contribution to the literature on democratisation." James Headley, Senior Lecturer, Department of Politics, University of Otago, New Zealand
"This book is an important contribution to the research on post-communist civil society and the contentious politics of the Caucasus region. It is the first book length treatment of the development of civil society in the contemporary Caucasus region." Chris Rudd, University of Otago, New Zealand