Russia and the Caspian Sea
Subtitle: projecting power or competing for influence?
By: Tracey German
Contributors: Army War College (U.S.). Strategic Studies Institute; Army War College (U.S.). Press
Publisher: Strategic Studies Institute and U.S. Army War College Press
Published: 2014
Place of publication: Carlisle, PA
Language: eng
Number of pages: 87
ISBN-13: 9781584876403
Subjects: National security; International Security; Natural resources; Foreign relations; Military policy; Strategic aspects; International status; Russia (Federation). Voenno-Morskoĭ Flot; Russia (Federation)
Description: This monograph examines Russia's policy toward the Caspian Sea region as Moscow attempts to counterbalance growing American involvement within what it perceives to be its zone of privileged interest. It focuses on the recent expansion of the Caspian Flotilla and the rationale behind it. Moscow has sought to counterbalance the growing involvement of other actors in the region, which has led to rising tension between Russia and its southern neighbors. The primary objectives of the research are to examine Russian perceptions of threat and security in the Caspian region and assess the implications for other actors. This monograph analyzes the drivers of the increasing competition for influence, focusing on developments within the energy sector, and assesses the implications of Russia's consolidation of its dominance for security and stability in the region. This issue is important because a clear understanding of Russian strategic thinking and threat perception in the Caspian Sea is vital in order to facilitate effective U.S. policy in the wider Caucasus and Central Asian region.
Notes: "August 2014."

Includes bibliographical references (pages 66-87).
Table of contents: title: The Caspian Sea and its significance; title: Caspian resources; title: The unclarified legal status of the Caspian; title: The Caspian and Russian security; title: The Caspian flotilla; title: Other Caspian navies; title: Competing or cooperating?; title: Conclusions and recommendations.