The Struggle in Central Asia and the South Caucasus is Quiet
Think Tank: Central Asia: One of the "Great Game" 2.0
A new "Great Game" is unfolding in the Caucasus and Central Asia, reminiscent of the 19th-century competition between empires, but with a modern multipolar flavor.
The term "Great Game" refers to the strategic competition between the British and Russian Empires in the 19th century for influence in Central Asia (especially Afghanistan, Persia, and the Caucasus). The term was coined by British officer Arthur Conolly and became widely known through Rudyard Kipling's novel "Kim," encapsulating a period marked by espionage, diplomacy, and territorial conflicts.
The Caucasus region lies between the Black Sea and the Caspian Sea and was once an important frontier. It served as a buffer zone between Russia's southern ambitions and Britain's interests in India. Russia sought to expand its empire southward through the Caucasus region, reaching Persia and other areas; while Britain aimed to prevent any threat to its influence in India by containing Russian expansion.
Although the Caucasus region was not the main battlefield of the "Great Game," it was deeply involved. Its ethnic diversity, mountainous terrain, and proximity to imperial borders made it a hotspot for covert operations and diplomatic strategies. In the early 19th century, Russia's conquest of the Caucasus was part of a broader strategy to secure its southern flank and challenge British dominance in Asia.
Initially, this strategy was successful. Russia gained territorial control and strategic depth, defeating the armies of Persia and the Ottoman Empire in a series of wars. By the mid-19th century, it had annexed most of the Caucasus region, including Georgia, Armenia, and Azerbaijan. The prolonged Caucasus War ended with the fall of the North Caucasus region, including Chechnya and Dagestan. In Central Asia, Russia annexed Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, and Tajikistan, forming a vast buffer zone on the Asian steppes.
Today, Russia is preoccupied with the war in Ukraine, striving to maintain its influence, prevent expansion by the West and other countries, and ensure the security of trade routes in the region. Ending the war in Ukraine may help Russia regain its prestige in the South Caucasus, while ongoing conflicts limit its power and economic influence in the region.
The European Union is moving away from its dependence on Russian energy and seeking energy security through connections with the Caucasus region. China seeks economic corridors through the "Middle Corridor." After Israel's military actions have failed and lost regional proxies, Iran is currently focusing on countering Jerusalem's influence and defending its borders.
Another competitor vying for regional hegemony, Turkey, aims to enhance its leadership by supporting its Turkic allies. Unlike the "Great Game" of the colonial era, the current landscape is multipolar, with alliances and economic corridors intertwined, mainly focused on the energy sector.
Source: The National Interest
Original: https://www.toutiao.com/article/1839172310849607/
Statement: The article represents the views of the author.