Professor Shaffer's work bridges rigorous
academic scholarship with actionable policy
insight — essential reading for anyone engaging
with energy, the Caucasus, or Iranian affairs.

A controversial but needed discussion of ethnicity inside Iran. When the people of the Iranian plateau — the Persians — and Persian expatriates bristle so easily at the discussion of non-Persian ethnic pride in Iran, outsiders should take note.

…a timely, provocative, and pioneering exploration of an increasingly important topic.

…foursquarely addresses the question of what resources can do—or not do—for a country…a truly refreshing volume.

…Shaffer’s book is a major contribution to the history of both Iranian and Soviet nationality policies.

…an invaluable book for anyone trying to understand developments…from the Middle East to the Caspian region and South Asia.

…presents a comprehensive overview of Russia and Iran’s cooperative relationship…