Book excerpt: The first volume of an ambitious forthcoming series on the evolving world role of the post-Soviet successor states. Analyzes the legacy of history and its impact on the foreign relations and political identity of the new states, and examines past relations among the post-Soviet nations and other peoples. Covers Cossack mythology in the Russian-Ukranian border dispute, the rediscovery of Uzbek history, and offers Azerbaijan and Armenian perspectives. Paper edition (unseen), $19.95. Annotation copyright by Book News, Inc., Portland, OR