Geopolitics of caspian oil and gas

Abstract

This paper provides an analysis of increasing geopolitical competition over energy rich Central Asia and Caucasus by key actors such as the U.S.A., Russia and China. In addition to an evaluation of the region’s future as an energy hub both for East and West, this paper examines how the regional conflicts such as the August 2008 war between Russia and Georgia might affect prospects for Caspian energy development and export. Even though both Russia and China have a common goal of countering Western, particularly U.S., influence in the region, they both have their own agenda and distinct relationships with Western countries. In terms of oil and natural gas, only Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan have the potential to play significant roles in the future. However the entire region will continue to be major area of conflict or cooperation for global powers.