Development of Central Asia Through the Middle East.

摘要

This thesis contends that the Central Asian states of Kazakstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikstan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan, and the Caucasian state of Azerbaij an will continue to be developed through the Middle East because of the ethnic, religious, cultural, and historical ties each republic holds with the region. Despite the perceived threat of Islamic fundamentalism, the Central Asian states and Azerbaijan will still seek foreign aid from the Middle East while attempting to mitigate the influence of foreign powers in their internal affairs. Because of growing US interests in Central Asia and the Caspian Sea area, the US will seek to be become engaged and to expand its influence in the region through its Middle East ally, Turkey. Growing US and Turkish influence will come at the expense of the former regional hegemon, Russia, and the historic Middle East power, Iran. This complex interaction between old and new powers has the potential of leading to conflict. An understanding of this complex relationship is important to any country that has an interest in the region.