Islam in Russia: The Politics of Identity and Security Shireen T. Hunter This ambitious study traces the shared history of Russia and Islam in expanding compass - from the Tatar civilization within the Russian heartland, to the conquered territories of the Caucasus and Central Asia, to the larger geopolitical and security context of Russia on the civilization divide. What is most compelling about this work is its analytical drive, which emphasizes the Islamic factor in Russia's political and geopolitical relationships over time and into the very complicated present. Shireen T. Hunter is director of the Islam Program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, Washington D.C.