Over a decade has passed since the independence of the countries in Central Asia and the Caucasus. During this period, some momentous events and major transformations have occurred in the region's social, economic, military and political life. Consequently, some research centres have focused on such concepts as social development and the shaping of new regional identities, while others have turned their attention to issues in the changing security environment, or have concentrated on the process of nation-building along with the current ethnic conflicts and crises.