Altered states -- Seeking more, finding less -- The "Chindia" challenge -- An energy juggernaught -- Draining the Caspian -- The global assault on Africa's vital resources -- Encroaching on an "American Lake" -- Crossing a threshold -- Averting catastrophe

After the Soviet breakup, Central Asia has gained importance for several States because of its geographical location and abundance of hydrocarbon reserves. These hydrocarbon reserves are located mainly in three countries: Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan. Each of them has taken different...