This richly detailed study traces the shared history of Russia and Islam in expanding compass - from the Tatar civilization within the Russian heartland, to the conquered territories of the Caucasus and Central Asia, to the larger geopolitical and security context of contemporary Russia on the civilizational divide. The study's distinctive analytical drive stresses political and geopolitical relationships over time and into the very complicated present. Rich with insight, the book is also an incomparable source of factual information about Russia's Muslim populations, religious institutions, political organizations, and ideological movements.

Foreword, Ambassador James F. Collins; Part I. Islam in Russia, Past and Present: An Overview; 1. Islam in Russia: The Historical Background; 2. Islam in Post-Soviet Russia: A Demographic, Geographic, Institutional, Socio-Economic, Ideological, and Political Profile; Part II, Identity Politics in the Russian Federation: The Islamic Factor; 3. The Evolution of Russia's Post-Soviet National Identity: The Impact of the Islamic Factor; 4. The Evolution of Russian Federalism: The Islamic Factor; 5. Democratization and Multi-Party Politics in Post-Soviet Russia; Part III. Russia and Islam: The Islamic Factor in Russia's External Relations; 6. The Evolution of Russia's Foreign Policy Perspectives in the Post-Soviet Era; 7. The Role of Islam in Shaping Russia's Post-Soviet External Relations; 8. Russian Policy Toward Central Asia and the Transcaucasus; 9. Russia's Relations with the Northern Tier Countries; 10. Russia's Relations with the Arab World and the Balkans; 11. Russian-Western Relations; Conclusion