We take this region to be not just an inner hinterland to Russia and China, but as itself constituting a sphere or centre which has its particular historical dynamics. United by ways of life, such as mobile pastoralism and trade, and by many common aspects of culture, Inner Asia has its own languages, scripts, religious and political traditions. The region is important not only because it is a meeting place of different civilisations and a bridge between Asia and Europe, but also because it has given rise to and shaped great states and civilisations. Currently it is experiencing enormous change, as the socialism of the mid-20th century is being transformed by new economic and political processes. Strategically, Inner Asia is now a sensitive and volatile area.
New states are in the making.
Urgent and sustained studies of the region and its peoples are needed to facilitate sound cultural understandings and development. The Unit is currently one of the very few research-oriented forums in the world in which scholars can address contemporary and historical problems of the region. It is committed to supporting publication of original research at the highest academic standards. We welcome submissions from scholars of all countries and especially those whose own background lies in Inner Asia. Editorial team Subscription information Contact the publishers for subscriptions and back numbers of Inner Asia.