The Caspian region in the system of international relations: legal status, resources and foreign policy strategies

Introduction. The article examines the legal status of the Caspian Sea as well as the influence of global and regional actors on the geopolitical situation in the Caspian region, which holds a strategically important position in Eurasia and serves as a crossroads for key transport and energy corridors.

Materials and Methods. The study is based on the ideographic method, the principle of historicism that is, analyzing research objects in connection with specific historical conditions and the principle of systematics, which involves identifying individual components within the system and establishing interrelations among them. Sources used include materials on the diplomatic settlement of the status of the Caspian Sea, assessments by economic researchers, and regional security experts.

Analysis. The article notes that defining the legal status of the Caspian Sea was a key regional issue, resolved in 2018 by the Convention that recognized the unique status of the Caspian sea based on the principles of sovereignty and cooperation. However, issues related to the delimitation of the seabed and subsoil remain unresolved. External influence from the US and China intensifies competition in the region: the US seeks to constrain Russia and China by supporting Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan, while China actively invests in energy and infrastructure, especially in Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan. Russia maintains a dominant position but is forced to adapt to new realities, including sanctions and increased activity from other players. Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, and Turkmenistan pursue multi-vector cooperation, balancing relations among major powers.

Results. It has been revealed that despite efforts to resolve contradictions and establish the legal status of the Caspian Sea, thereby creating a documented balance among regional actors, the Caspian region maintains a high level of conflict, remaining an arena of rivalry both among the littoral states and the great powers interested in controlling its abundant energy resources and expanding their influence.  

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