Russia and the Caspian Sea: Projecting Power or Competing for Influence?

The Caspian Sea territory, resides on the southern side of Russia, and is part of Azerbaijan and Kzakhstan, rich with hydrocarbons used in the production of crude oil and is an “eyed territory” for the United States, China, Russia and many other countries that could utilize the crude oil to gas production for economic and energy growth.  The Caspian region also poses a national security threat to Russia and a maritime opportunity for the United States given its close proximity to Afghanistan.

This monograph examines Russia’s policy towards 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 this. 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.:
• to analyze the drivers of the increasing competition for influence, focusing on developments within the energy sector,  and
• to assess 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.

This book would be suitable for military leaders, especially naval and maritime personnel, political scientists, historians, international relations scholars, and world energy trade analysts.    High school to Graduate students in global history, Russian studies, military and political science classes may find this content helpful for research papers related to international relations and maritime policies, especially as it relates to Russia.


Russia and the Soviet Union resources collection can be found here: https://bookstore.gpo.gov/catalog/international-foreign-affairs/russia-soviet-union