Naslov
The New Great Game: Rivalry of Geostrategies and Geoeconomies in Central Asia

Autori
Kurečić, Petar

Izvornik
Hrvatski geografski glasnik (1331-5854) 72 (2010), 1; 21-46

Vrsta, podvrsta i kategorija rada
Radovi u časopisima, kritički pregledni članak, znanstveni

Ključne riječi
Central Asia ; the Caspian Sea ; the New Great Game ; Russia ; the USA ; China ; NATO ; geostrategy ; geoeconomy

Sažetak
The purpose of this paper is to study the rivalry of geostrategies and geoeconomies in Central Asia and the Caspian Sea region. The main reason for studying this region is its strategic importance, particularly considering the vast reserves of oil and gas that make it one of the most important parts of the world. But they also represent a peril to the regional security, considering the rival interests of great powers concerning Central Asia. Strategic importance of Central Asia makes it a prime object of geostrategic and geo-economic studies. After centuries of Russian dominance, Central Asia became a region with five independent states, and five states now share the Caspian Sea. Russian influence declined in the nineties, only to return gradually, but the rivals have showed up and their influence is becoming stronger. The USA, Europe, China, and NATO as an alliance of the USA and Europe have taken their place in the quest for Central Asian and Caspian Sea oil and gas, with the USA dominating “the game”. The US presence in Iraq, US and NATO’s presence in Afghanistan, US military bases in Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan, significant Russian presence in Uzbekistan and Tajikistan, and military bases in Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan, China’s rising influence, Iran’s proximity to the region, numerous military and economic agreements and alliances, show that Central Asia is an object of great power rivalry. Prospect for the future is balance of power with continuous shifts, instability and struggle for control over energy resources. We are maybe witnessing the initial stage of a New Great Game.

Izvorni jezik
Engleski

Znanstvena područja
Politologija, Demografija

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