Regional Security and the Future of Central Asia: The Competition of Iran, Turkey, and Russia

by Hooman Peimani

Overview

The breakup of the USSR created a Central Asian security complex or sphere of influence consisting of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. Since the disintegration of the Soviet Union, this security complex has tended to distance itself from a Russian-centered approach to foreign relations, has rejected involvement with a Turkey-oriented sphere of influence, and has shifted toward an Iran-oriented security complex. A major reason for these developments has been the activities of the three rival powers—Iran, Turkey, and Russia.

As Peimani explains, these states have strong long-term interests in the region; earlier rivalries, which were dormant under Soviet rule, have reawakened since the breakup of the USSR. While Russia attempts to reincorporate Central Asia into its security complex, Iran and Turkey seek to include it in their spheres of influence. The rivalry among these states will largely determine the future development of the region and the individual states.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780275960216
Publisher:	Bloomsbury Academic
Publication date:	06/25/1998
Series:	Contributions in Labor Studies; 52
Pages:	168
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 9.00(h) x 0.50(d)
Lexile:	1760L (what's this?)

About the Author

HOOMAN PEIMANI works as an independent consultant with international agencies in Geneva, Switzerland, and does research in International Relations. His earlier research and writing has centered on the Persian Gulf, the Caucasus, and Central Asia.

Table of Contents

Preface
Introduction
Concept of Regional Security
Historical Background
Societal Factors and the Rivals
Military Factors and the Rivals
Economic Factors and the Rivals
Conclusion
Bibliography
Index

Editorial Reviews

An analysis of the relationship between the formerly Soviet Central Asian states and their surrounding major regional powers<-->Russia, Turkey, and Iran. The author draws on research and concepts of numerous scholars, particularly the "security complex" theory of Barry Buzan. Annotation c. by Book News, Inc., Portland, Or.

Booknews