Iran and Russia in the Caspian Region: Competition or Cooperation?

Abstract

The Caspian region is an area influenced by activities and incentives of its littoral states as well as by external actors. Political, social and economic matters, geostrategic interests and vast hydrocarbon reserves foster cooperation and competition between various actors. Since the end of the Cold War current research has highlighted the significance of Iran and Russia as key actors in this region, particularly with regards to energy transit. Despite much research into the evolving nature of security politics in the Caspian region, there is little on analysis of the motivations that shape Iranian and Russian policy in this region. This research dissertation combines historical data, contemporary empirical evidence and theoretical frameworks to provide a broader and deeper perspective on the complexity of relations in the Caspian region. It demonstrates that competition and cooperation are results of multiple internal and external factors and that realist, liberalist and constructive approaches to international relations provide prisms through which such interactions are better understood.