 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
THE UNITED STATES AND RUSSIA IN THE POST-SOVIET EAST: WHAT IS IN STORE?Dina MALYSHEVA
Dina Malysheva, D.Sc. (Political Science), leading research associate, Institute of World Economy and International Relations, RAS (Moscow, Russian Federation)
The tragedy of 11 September, 2001 and the counter-terrorist operation in Afghanistan changed the situation in the post-Soviet East (the Central Asian and South Caucasian states) in the most radical way. A new geopolitical player, the United States, has rushed into the vast region until recently regarded as Moscow’s domain of sorts.
How do these developments coordinate with the interests of Russia in the area that it still considers the sphere of its, even though much narrower, influence? Which aspects can attract concerted efforts of Russia, the United States, and the Central Asian and South Caucasian countries and which can drive them apart?
The United States in the Post-Soviet East: Stated Aims and Real PoliticsThe American officially stated political priorities are concentrated on energy resources, the region’s political stability, and struggle against international terrorism. B. Lynn Pascoe, U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs has said that his country wanted a greater integration of the local republics into the world community by strengthening democracy and developing their economies.
Still, numerous guesses are piling up in an absence of a clear idea about Washington’s long-term strategy in Central Asia and the Caucasus. Some of them hint at the United States’ real aims and real politics in the region.
First, there is an opinion that Washington…………………
Please fill subscription form to obtain full text of this jounal
 |