JSPES, Vol. 30, No. 3 (Fall 2005)
pp. 265-281

Oil and Terrorism: Central Asia and the Caucasus

Gawdat Bahgat

This essay examines American, European, Russian, and Chinese energy interests in the Caspian Sea and Central Asia. The author argues that in recent years this rivalry over hydrocarbon resources has been reinforced by efforts to increase political and security influence. Firstly, American, European, and Chinese energy outlooks are examined, followed by an analysis of the political rivalry between Washington, Moscow, and Beijing. The argument is two-fold: A) The Caspian's hydrocarbon resources will contribute to global energy security, but they should not be seen as a substitute for Middle East oil. B) The rivalry between global powers in the region is likely to intensify further in the foreseeable future. This rivalry will fuel economic and political instability in the Caucasus and Central Asia.