The vast energy resources of the Caspian Sea have provoked a clash of interests between many countries and transnational corporations. In the markedly new historical and geopolitical environment, few of the newly established states in the region consider relations with Russia to be a priority, and are using the oil and gas factor as one of the most effective political tools in international relations.
The vast energy resources of the Caspian Sea have provoked a clash of interests between many countries and transnational corporations. In the markedly new historical and geopolitical environment, few of the newly established states in the region consider relations with Russia to be a priority, and are using the oil and gas factor as one of the most effective political tools in international relations.
When the Baltic countries entered NATO and the European Union a couple of years ago, many thought it was the end of the centuries-old "red line." Euro-Atlantic organizations had crossed into the former Russian and Soviet empires.
In September 2004, the Russian city of Novgorod hosted an international conference entitled Russia at the Turn of the Century: Hopes and Reality. Its organizers were the RIA Novosti news agency, the Council on Foreign and Defense Policy, Russia in Global Affairs, and The Moscow Times.