The newly independent states in Central Asia face development, transformation and regionalization challenges. These include the definition of their domestic and foreign national politics, the build-up of peaceful regional cooperation and the management of the Islamic fundamentalism, sustainable socio-economic development and the rehabilitation of the environment – in particular water resources. Apart from country studies the volume presents results from two collaborative research projects on Central Asia regarding water resources and political developments. It combines views from politicians and scientists both from Central Asia and Germany towards these matters and gives an overview about the most pressing problems as well as ideas for their solution in the Central Asian region.