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Not easy questions. It is the continuation of the unresolved issues of the early 1990s. The decline of Russian power in Central Asia serves as an invitation for Turkey, Iran and China to gain economic and political influence in the region. Sino-American rivalry is here to stay. both of these states have benefitted from Russia's setbacks in its war against Ukraine. I am not sure if the coup has much bearing on this important conflict between the US and China.

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Interesting if somewhat worrying times, in a very fluid situation. It seems that Putin has won a temporary reprive, yet defeat in Ukraine and personal loss of power seem inevitable. The disintegration of Russia seems to have been a likely scenario since the stalling (and effective thwarting) of the Invasion last year. I have three questions: to what extent is this the unfinished business of 1991 could there be scope for a home grown democratic change of regime, does this give the green light to other regional powers eg Turkey or Iran to expand their influence in the Caucasus, and what impact will this have on the Sino-American rivalry?

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