The present volume contains the results of an international and interdiscip- linary research project conducted in collective farms and villages across Central Asia, the Caucasus and Central Russia between 2009 and 2012. This research was made possible by the generous support of the Volkswagen Foundation (Hannover). The editors would like to express their deep gratitude to Dr Wolfgang Levermann and the international reviewers of the Foundation for their approval, suggestions, and constant support to the pro ject.