Great and Small Games in Central Asia and the South Caucasus

The book examines international, regional, and domestic cooperation and conflicts in Central Asia and the South Caucasus, analyzing foreign policies of great powers and regional issues. It employs theoretical pluralism and realism, liberalism, constructivism, and FPA.

Format: Hardback
Length: 372 pages
Publication date: 29 April 2022
Publisher: Peter Lang AG

Since the Central Asia and the South Caucasus region has come to the international stage 30 years ago, a new approach to understanding its contemporary dynamics is necessary. This volume advocates for a comprehensive analysis of international, regional, and domestic cooperation and conflicts in the region. The authors examine the foreign policies of major powers such as Russia, China, the United States, the European Union, Japan, and Iran towards this part of the world. The work delves into regional issues and regionalism, including the Eurasian Union and the Belt and Road Initiative. A series of chapters explore domestic processes such as clan politics, identity construction, the media, and non-state actors. The publication employs theoretical pluralism and incorporates realism, liberalism, constructivism, and FPA.

The Central Asia and the South Caucasus region has witnessed significant changes in the past three decades, both politically and economically. The region is home to a diverse range of countries, each with its own unique history, culture, and political system. The emergence of new actors on the international stage, such as Russia, China, and the United States, has further complicated the region's dynamics.

One of the key challenges facing the region is the issue of regional cooperation and conflict. The countries in the region have a complex web of relationships, both positive and negative, and these relationships are often shaped by historical, cultural, and geopolitical factors. The region is also home to a number of regional organizations, such as the Eurasian Union and the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), which aim to promote stability and security in the region.

However, regional cooperation and conflict are not always easy to achieve. The countries in the region have different interests and priorities, and they often face competing claims over resources and territory. This has led to a number of conflicts in the region, including the conflicts in Afghanistan, Syria, and Iraq.

Another challenge facing the region is the issue of identity construction. The countries in the region have a rich history and diverse cultural heritage, but they also face a number of challenges in terms of identity formation. This is particularly true in the case of the South Caucasus, where the countries have a complex history of conflict and division.

The media is also an important factor in shaping the region's dynamics. The media plays a crucial role in promoting awareness and understanding of the region's issues, but it can also be used to spread misinformation and propaganda. This has been particularly true in the case of the conflicts in the region, where the media has been used to promote the agendas

The role of non-state actors is also important in shaping the region's dynamics. Non-state actors, such as religious organizations, social movements

In conclusion, the Central Asia and the South Caucasus region is a complex and dynamic region that is shaped by a range of political, economic, and social factors. The region is home to a diverse range of countries, each with its own unique history, culture, and political system. The emergence of new actors on the international stage, such as Russia, China, and the United States, has further complicated the region's dynamics. The issue of regional cooperation and conflict, the issue of identity construction, the role of the media, and the role of non-state actors are all important factors in shaping the region's dynamics. The publication applies theoretical pluralism and utilizes realism, liberalism, constructivism, and FPA.

Weight: 549g
Dimension: 210 x 148 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783631745618
Edition number: New ed