Publication

This paper examines Russia’s recent attempts to expand and solidify its influence in the Central Asian and Caucasus regions. To facilitate this aim, Moscow is trying to 1) play a leading role in anti-terrorist operations in these areas; 2) take advantage of the US’ planned withdrawal from Afghanistan in January 2017; 3) cement its influence in key states such as Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Kazakhstan; and 4) intensify its bilateral cooperation with Iran, particularly around the Caspian Sea.