Energy politics and geopolitical competition in the Caspian Basin

This article explores geopolitical rivalry in the Caspian Basin, driven in large measure by the desire to control and exploit energy resources. It focuses in particular on actions by Russia, China, and the United States. While outside actors play an important role in the region, local states have demonstrated that they are not merely passive players. They have managed, in many cases, to use the ‘geopolitical pluralism’ of great power competition to gain room to maneuver. The result is a complicated picture of geopolitical balance. Looking ahead, however, China may be in the best position to assume the pre-eminent role in the region.