TURKMENISTAN STRIKES BACK: THE ENERGY WARS
By Stephen Blank (2/22/2006 issue of the CACI Analyst)
BACKGROUND: We should remember that the creation of a Russian-dominated gas cartel spanning all of Central Asia, and especially Turkmenistan, has been a major priority of the Putin regime since 2002. Russia aims to keep Central Asian energy in general and especially gas off the world market and confined to those pipelines which Russia controls so that Russia can divert that energy into cheaper Russian markets while reserving contracts at world prices for its customers. By doing so Gazprom preserves its monopoly, avoids high taxes based on low domestic profit margins, and dominates gas exports to Europe free from Central Asian competition while Russian consumers can keep relying on cheap subsidized energy and Central Asian gas regimes remain dependent on Russia.THE CIS IS DEAD: LONG LIVE THE CSTO
By Richard Weitz (2/8/2006 issue of the CACI Analyst)
BACKGROUND: Since assuming office, the Putin government has conducted a sustained campaign to revitalize the CIS by enhancing cooperation among a core group of pro-Russian governments. In the summer of 2000, Putin successfully proposed that these countries create a CIS Counter-Terrorism Center in Bishkek. The following May, the CIS members authorized the formation of a Collective Rapid Deployment Force (CRDF).RUSSIA’S NEW DOCTRINE OF NEO-IMPERIALISM
By Khatuna Salukvadze (2/8/2006 issue of the CACI Analyst)
BACKGROUND: Much has been said lately about Russia’s use of hydrocarbons as a remedy designed to alter the behavior of those neighboring states that have opted for membership in NATO and the EU. Now it appears that Russia fancies the idea to “correct” the democratic and Euro-Atlantic aspirations of its neighbors by the means of traditional military force. Observers who find such a possibility too hard to believe should reflect on “The New Russian Doctrine”, an article by Russia’s defence minister, Mr.CHINESE IN CENTRAL ASIA: LOYAL CITIZENS OR FIFTH COLUMN?
By Rafis Abazov (2/8/2006 issue of the CACI Analyst)
BACKGROUND: Large migration waves have become a common phenomenon in the era of globalization, as millions of people have left their homelands, legally or illegally, in search of political stability and/or economic opportunities. The similarities of migration trends end here, though, as governments concerned by immigration have been maintaining different policies dealing with this issue. The size of migration, the political and economic environment, and past experiences play crucial roles in shaping government attitudes.Visit also
Staff Publications
Silk Road Paper S. Frederick Starr, Greater Central Asia as A Component of U.S. Global Strategy, October 2024.
Analysis Laura Linderman, "Rising Stakes in Tbilisi as Elections Approach," Civil Georgia, September 7, 2024.
Analysis Mamuka Tsereteli, "U.S. Black Sea Strategy: The Georgian Connection", CEPA, February 9, 2024.
Silk Road Paper Svante E. Cornell, ed., Türkiye's Return to Central Asia and the Caucasus, July 2024.
Book Svante E. Cornell, ed., "The Changing Geopolitics of Central Asia and the Caucasus" AFPC Press/Armin LEar, 2023.
Silk Road Paper Svante E. Cornell and S. Frederick Starr, Stepping up to the “Agency Challenge”: Central Asian Diplomacy in a Time of Troubles, July 2023.
Silk Road Paper S. Frederick Starr, U.S. Policy in Central Asia through Central Asian Eyes, May 2023.