U.S. foreign policy in the Caucasus and Central Asia : pipeline politics and the national interest

Abstract

This thesis examines the post-Cold War foreign policy of the United States in the Caucasus and Central Asia from a theoretical and practical view. It investigates how U.S. policies towards specific countries in the region have affected the region as a whole. Specifically, three case studies are used to explore the geopolitical implications of pipeline politics in Kazakstan, Azerbaljan, and Turkmenistan. This study concludes with specific options and recommendations for U.S. foreign policy makers to enhance and enlarge U.S. influence in the Caucasus and Central Asia