Located in the Caucasus region along the western shore of the Caspian Sea, the former Soviet republic of Azerbaijan has a location and extensive oil resources that make it a more important country than one might expect. An expert on the Caucasus, Turkey, and Central Asia, Cornell provides a comprehensive introduction to the country, describing Azerbaijan's history from pre-Soviet times to the present, with an emphasis on the past 20 years. Chapters detail Azerbaijan's dispute with Armenia over the Karabakh region, the country's political system, the oil-dominated economy, and societal changes and trends since the fall of the Soviet Union (including the role of Islam). The book also examines Azerbaijan's relations with Iran, Russia, Turkey, and the West. Includes six maps and nine pages of photographs. Annotation ⓒ2011 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)