By Tigran Martirosyan (8/29/2001 issue of the CACI Analyst)
BACKGROUND: Armenias geographic location as a potential transit center between the energy-rich Caspian states and western markets lends it strategic importance to world energy markets, and poses unique challenges to the goal of energy security in the region. As some countries in the Caspian region expand their oil and gas production and international export of these products, Armenia appears to be well situated to take advantage of these developments. Indeed, participating in the expanding network of oil and gas export is important, as the nation seeks to strengthen its own economy and political presence in the region.
By Hooman Peimani (8/29/2001 issue of the CACI Analyst)
BACKGROUND: The fall of the Soviet Union brought independence to the three Caucasian republics, but was also accompanied by violent conflict. Azerbaijan, Armenia and Georgia have all experienced severe political and military challenges shaking the very root of their states. Internal and external destabilizing forces in various forms have challenged the authority and the legitimacy of their political systems.
By Aftab Kazi (8/29/2001 issue of the CACI Analyst)
BACKGROUND: Amid the ongoing economic, geopolitical and strategic transitions in Central and South Asia, the Musharaf-Vajpayee Summit - despite an unresolved ending - is a landmark in India-Pakistan relations. An almost agreed upon joint declaration had to postponed due to domestic political considerations. Despite differences over Kashmir and terrorism, understandings developed on other matters - regional trade, an Iran-Pakistan-India oil/gas pipeline, regional security, nuclear safety, and openness towards future dialogue.
By Gael Raballand (8/29/2001 issue of the CACI Analyst)
BACKGROUND: Relations between Central Asian countries and WTO are guided by political manoeuvres. In this region, WTO is mainly perceived as a symbol of the western world a sort of a NATO counterpart regarding trade issues. It is worth noting that the negotiation process is closely linked to the image those countries are striving to give in the region.
The Central Asia-Caucasus Analyst is a biweekly publication of the Central Asia-Caucasus Institute & Silk Road Studies Program, a Joint Transatlantic Research and Policy Center affiliated with the American Foreign Policy Council, Washington DC., and the Institute for Security and Development Policy, Stockholm. For 15 years, the Analyst has brought cutting edge analysis of the region geared toward a practitioner audience.
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