Suchergebnisse

Examination of the various factors which might eventually bring about a breakthrough in Iranian-Soviet relations. Despite their strong views about Afghanistan Iranian leaders are said to realise that having good-neighbourly relations with their northern neighbour is a geographical necessity. Trade and cooperation will continue to grow. (DÜI-Asd)

Die Entwicklung der Zusammenarbeit zwischen den Anrainerstaaten des Kaspischen Meeres stagniert nach wie vor, nur unwesentlich ist Bewegung in die Ausarbeitung einer gemeinsamen Konvention über den Rechtsstatus am Kaspischen Meer gekommen. Die Probleme der Rechtslage bei der Aufteilung des Meeres werden im ersten Teil der Abhandlung erläutert. Ferner geht der Autor auf Problematik und Möglichkeiten des Erdöltransports sowie die entsprechenden Eigentumsverhältnisse ein und erörtert die russischen Pläne zur Schaffung einer Erdölleitung von Baku in die Türkei. (BIOst-Rgl)

The Caspian region has entered a new stage of its development. The geopolitical rivalry over the choice of routes for the export of hydrocarbon resources to foreign markets, as well as the fierce negotiation process in light of the preparation of the Convention on the international legal status of the Caspian Sea have overshadowed the issues of economic cooperation between the countries of the region. Implementation of transport projects, expansion of shipping, and growth of mutual trade turnover became priority issues in the policies of the Caspian littoral states and countries that are not members of the Caspian Five. These processes give Russia new opportunities to strengthen its position in the Caspian Sea and at the same time require it to take new approaches to realization of its national interests.

"This book investigates the policy of Russia on the Caspian and in the nearby territories from old times to the beginning of the present millennium, thus, spanning several centuries. The book also discusses the motivations of the rulers of Rus', Moscow State, Russian Empire, the USSR and later on, Russia that pursued active foreign policy targeted to extension of the geopolitical influence and strengthening of the economic presence in the near-Caspian territories and on the Caspian Sea proper. The main stages of formation of the Russian foreign policy are studied. The causes underlying the rivalry of Russia with Persia and Turkey, Central Asian Khanates and European states for the leading positions on the Caspian are analyzed. The authors describe the mechanisms used by Russia in its foreign policy with regard to the established political and economic conditions. Much attention is focused on the analysis of Russia's foreign policy in the Caspian region after disintegration of the USSR when the situation on the Caspian had changed drastically. Formerly there were two Caspian statesaUSSR and Iran, but now three new independent states appeared, i.e. Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan, which immediately became the focus of interest of non-regional states and leading oil and gas companies. This book describes how the policy of Russia has been changing in the face of a new geopolitical situation in the Caspian region. The approaches of Russia to addressing the regional problems, first of all, the international legal status of the Caspian Sea, hydrocarbon production and transportation, militarization and ecology, etc. are analyzed. All these factors urged Russia to develop new approaches towards the Caspian region. The book investigates the effect of the foreign policy of new Caspian states, the USA, EU and China on the Caspian policy of Russia. The complicated geopolitical situation on the Caspian and unceasing attention to its hydrocarbon resources force Russia to keep a close watch on the Caspian region that remains the main vector of the Russian foreign policy."--Preface

Discusses Turkey's goals & strategies in the Caspian region, particularly the South Caucasus. Turkey's priorities are considered from a regional perspective & in terms of transregional connections impacting Turkish policy. It is contended that Turkey's aspirations in the Caspian region cannot be comprehended apart from its Western leaning & relationship with the US & EU. Turkey has become one the most important potential oil & gas markets for Caspian & Russian product, & its immediate gas shortage lends economic significance to its regional relations. Three pipeline projects are overviewed in this light. While natural gas has required an economic approach, Turkey's policy toward oil transport is imbued with environmental concerns & political considerations. The dominance of geopolitics regarding oil pipeline routes is cited, & Turkey's support of the economically questionable Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan pipeline, which would cross its territory, is based on its desire to consolidate its role as a critical link between Central Asia, the Caspian region, & Europe. Turkish-Russian cooperation is addressed, stressing that Russia's uncertain future is a major consideration for Turkish policymakers. Turkey's proclivity for multilateralism & Western orientation as seen in its policy toward NATO & EU membership, centers on pursuing regional stability & development, two objectives that a powerful Russia can help meet. The domestic & international constraints confronting Turkish Caspian policy are delineated, eg, limited resources for providing aid & the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. It is concluded that Turkey ought to work with the US & Europe to ameliorate the fallout of power politics, while pursuing sustained cooperation with Russia. J. Zendejas