‍Central Asia and The Caucasus Journal

The Position and Role of Muslims in the Russian Federation: The Challenge of Islamic Identity and Russian Historical Subjectivity

Saeid Shiri; Mehdi Javadani Moghaddam

Volume 27, Issue 114 , September 2021, , Pages 65-90

Abstract

a Islam, as the second religion of Russia and Muslims as an integral part of the country's demography, is a sensitive issue ... Read More

Relations between the Islamic Republic of Iran and the Kyrgyz Republic; Stagnation and Stability (1992-2022)

Volume 29, Issue 122 , September 2023, , Pages 65-86

https://doi.org/CA-2206-1593

Abstract

The Agreement on the Establishment of Formal Diplomatic Relations between the Islamic Republic of Iran and the Kyrgyz Republic was signed in 1992 as one of the five countries in the ... Read More

Features and Driving Forces of Russia's Smart Climate Policies

Marzieh Shirzadi

Volume 25, Issue 108 , March 2020, , Pages 67-100

Abstract

Global warming has proposed some opportunities for Russian; on the other hand, it has had threats for this country. Therefore, Russia has neither intended to constantly deny the impact ... Read More

The Zero-Sum Game in South Caucasus; Emphasizing the Karabakh War 2020

Mahdi Feizollahi; Hosein Pourahmadi Meibodi

Volume 29, Issue 123 , December 2024, , Pages 67-92

Abstract

The Karabakh crisis remained in a state of neither war nor peace for tens of years, but with the Second Karabakh War, it came out of the state of "frozen conflict" and the South Caucasus, ... Read More

Explication of Agenda for Convergence in Caspian Sea Region with Emphasis on Mutual Dependencies

Reza Simbar; Keyvan Afsharian

Volume 26, Issue 109 , May 2020, , Pages 71-101

Abstract

A rise in the number of the Caspian Sea littoral states after dissolution of the Soviet Union at the end of the 20th century and the significance of those areas due to the decline of ... Read More

Iran and Shanghai Cooperation Organization: Geopolitics and Eurasian Identity

Masoud Hamyani; Seyed mohammad kazem Sajjadpour

Volume 28, Issue 117 , June 2022, , Pages 71-98

Abstract

Following the emergence of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization as an influential regional organization in the expanse of Eurasia in the early 21st century, Tehran has aptly recognized ... Read More Following the emergence of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization as an influential regional organization in the expanse of Eurasia in the early 21st century, Tehran has aptly recognized this mechanism for spread of multilaterism, creation of a Eurasian order, and the connection of the country’s economy with the nonwestern capital and technology markets. On the other side, it has been for long that the Shanghai leaders have come to this conclusion that introducing new governments, both as permanent members and supervising members and participation in the talks, broadens not only the borders of the organization, but also helps alleviate criticisms concerning the limited scope of activities of the organization and increase its effectiveness. As a result, the founding members agreed to Iran full membership process at the 21st session of the organization, after Iran’s 15 years of waiting. The present paper intends to answer the key question below: What does Tehran full member mean, among the current geopolitical changes in Eurasia? And what role can Tehran play in completing the organization in integrating Eurasia? Based on the Constructivism Theory and Social Construct of regions, the findings of this research show, using the qualitative method and Inter-minded Horizon , that in a long term look , the Shanghai Organization provides a significant mechanism for achieving some goals of foreign policy , especially for the “Look to East” policy of Tehran. Full membership, also facilitates active participation of Tehran in shaping the security and economic status of the region. Tehran, in its turn , can play a major role in formulating and completing the Shanghai Organization, because Iran’s regional interests arise from the country’s goals in creating a Eurasian Society and preventing the region from becoming a hotbed of terrorism and extremism; using the country’s geo-economic capacities for creating a bridge between Asia and Europe, as well as Iran’s position as a hub of trade and connecting roads in the region , is compliant with the Shanghai Organization’s goals.

Implementation of the Belt and Road Initiative: Effects on Iran's Geo-economics Space

Mohsen Shariat Nia

Volume 26, Issue 110 , September 2021, , Pages 77-98

https://doi.org/DOR:20.1001.1.23223766.1399.26.2.3.4

Abstract

This article explains the effects of the implementation of the Belt and Road Initiative on the regional level of Iran's geo-economic space. The effects of the implementation of the ... Read More

Trasica Rail Corridor and Commercial Relations of Iran and Central Asia

Moslem Ansarinasab

Volume 29, Issue 121 , June 2023, , Pages 79-106

Abstract

Trasica Corridor is one of the most important corridors connecting East Asia to Europe. This article seeks to investigate the effect of Iran's geo-economic position on the use of the ... Read More

The Impact of the Ukraine War on Central Asia: The Rise of China or the Strengthening of Multilateralism

Maryam Hasheminejad Ashrafi; Amirmohamad Moghani; Kian Ebtekar; Shahab Alddin Shokri; Majid Raoufi; Abbas Maleki

Volume 29, Issue 124 , May 2024, , Pages 83-114

Abstract

The Russia-Ukraine war in February 2022 caused changes in the international system and blackened the balance of power prospects, especially in a region like Central Asia where Russia ... Read More

The Evolution and Geopolitical Rationality of the Caspian Region with Establishment of Legal Status : Interaction and Convergence Behavior

Majid Samad Zade Saber; Mohammad Reza Hafez Nia; Zahra Ahmadi

Volume 26, Issue 111 , March 2020, , Pages 85-115

Abstract

Caspian Sea as the world's largest lake is an alive and dynamic geopolitical region, with a new identity that has both potential of Convergence and Divergence. The collapse of ... Read More

International Sanctions and the Iran/Russia Relations, 2006-2014

Jahangir Karami; Zogreh Khajavi

Volume 27, Issue 113 , June 2021, , Pages 85-104

Abstract

The Islamic Republic of Iran has, since the 2000s, stressed an eastward policy and the relations with Russia have been a major part of this policy, and this issue, especially in the ... Read More

Russia-Ukraine War and the Future of International Order

Alireza Samii Isfahani; Sara Farahmand

Volume 28, Issue 118 , September 2022, , Pages 87-113

Abstract

Although the war in Ukraine is geopolitically a North-North war or Europe's concern but in effect, it is a great power competition between major world powers which is a manifestation ... Read More

Japan’s Public Diplomacy in Central Asia

Seyed Ahmadreza Fayazi; Mohammadreza Dehshiri

Volume 28, Issue 120 , March 2023, , Pages 87-112

Abstract

In the era of globalization, which has been accompanied by evident changes in international system, the importance of non-governmental players has been increasing and public diplomacy ... Read More

Russian and European Union strategies and Ukraine's Energy Stability (2004-2014)

Volume 29, Issue 122 , September 2023, , Pages 87-116

https://doi.org/CA-2310-1714

Abstract

Ukraine has played an important role in the geopolitics of energy due to its geographical location and having a numerous gas pipelines. Although the interdependence between Russia, ... Read More

Smart Power Strategy in EU’s Foreign Policy Against Russia

Mohammad Sadeq Mohammadi; Abbasgholi Askarian

Volume 28, Issue 119 , December 2022, , Pages 89-124

Abstract

In the new era of international relations, great powers try to realize their foreign policy interests and purposes resorting to the components of smart power. The 2022 Russian war against ... Read More

Integrated Water and Basin Resources Management: Case Study;Aras _ Kor Water Basin

Ahmad Kazemzadeh Dolatabad; nouzar shafiee

Volume 27, Issue 114 , September 2021, , Pages 91-129

Abstract

Integrated water and basin management has been used since the 1970s to resolve the challenges posed by water scarcity and has become a global requirement, specifically after the presentation ... Read More

The Role of Russia in Iran's Economic Cooperation With the South Caucasus (2014-2019)

Elaheh Koolaee; Ali Akbar Jowkar

Volume 26, Issue 112 , March 2021, , Pages 93-116

Abstract

Since the independence of the three South Caucasus countries (Armenia, Azerbaijan Republic and Georgia) in 1991, the Islamic Republic of Iran has tried to have constructive relations ... Read More Since the independence of the three South Caucasus countries (Armenia, Azerbaijan Republic and Georgia) in 1991, the Islamic Republic of Iran has tried to have constructive relations with the mentioned countries in various fields by adopting a balanced policy. From Iran's perspective, the importance of the South Caucasus, in addition to its historical and cultural commonalities, lies in its neighborhood status and high potential for economic cooperation. However, due to the impact of technical and geopolitical factors, the economic relations between Iran and these countries, despite their great potential and advantages, have never reached its desired point. Although, US and UN sanctions against Iran have been a major obstacle to expanding Iran's economic cooperation with its neighbors, at the same time Russia's move to impose some restrictions on regional rivals, especially in the energy sector, and its impact on Iran's economic cooperation with the South Caucasus cannot be ignored. With the onset of the Ukraine crisis in 2014 and escalating tensions with Europe and the United States that led to widespread sanctions against Russia, Moscow has turned its attention to cooperation with Eurasia and its neighbors.On the other hand, Iran's nuclear deal with the P5 + 1 in 2015 and the lifting of UN sanctions paved the way for improving cooperation between Iran and its neighbors, including Russia and the South Caucasus. Accordingly, given the variable of Russia as the most important player in the South Caucasus, the authors seek to answer the following questions: Has the change in Russia's approach to regional cooperation with neighbors since 2014 affected Iran's economic relations with the South Caucasus? And if so, what was the effect? The authors argue that,Russia has played a positive role in strengthening Iran's economic cooperation with the three countries of the South Caucasus. Using the explanatory and analytical method, the developments in the relations between Iran and the countries of the South Caucasus from 2014 to 2019 are examined according to the Russian factor. a

The 2020 Azerbaijan-Armenia War and Nagorno-Karabakh Frozen Conflict

Ali Basiriniya; Amin Sabaghzade

Volume 29, Issue 123 , December 2024, , Pages 93-112

Abstract

Following the outbreak of renewed conflicts between Azerbaijan and Armenia over Nagorno-Karabakh in late 2020, a trilateral agreement mediated by Russia was signed. This led to the ... Read More

Iran and Russia in the Caspian Sea: Legal Regime and Cooperation

Ali Tiztak; hamid Ahmadi

Volume 28, Issue 117 , June 2022, , Pages 99-126

Abstract

The collapse of the former Soviet Union, drew the Caspian Sea region out from a pure and calm strategic region and created numerous geopolitical opportunities and challenges for Iran ... Read More The collapse of the former Soviet Union, drew the Caspian Sea region out from a pure and calm strategic region and created numerous geopolitical opportunities and challenges for Iran and Russia. This fundamental development caused change in the surrounding Caspian Sea’s political borders and impacted on the legal status of the sea. Iran and Russia’s policies and approaches towards the Caspian Sea legal status fundamentally altered, as well. At the same time, with the emergence of differences of opinions and views among the coastal countries on the legal status and the way to exploit the Caspian Sea resources, there was created a fertile bed for presence and interference of big and extra-regional countries in the Caspian Sea. Under such circumstances, Iran/Russia policy alignment for managing the legal status developments of the Caspian Sea and preventing it from becoming a new hotbed of tensions , as well as, nearing together the opinions and positions of the other coastal countries has been crucial. The pivotal and main question of the present article is what impact Iran and Russia policies toward the legal status of the Caspian Sea can have on the expansion of penta-lateral cooperation among the Caspian Sea coastal countries. In the present paper this question is put to test whether Iran/Russia policies towards the Caspian Sea legal system- apart from the negative historical mindsets between the two countries- due to reasons like geographical continuity, regional requirements, joint destiny and the Caspian Sea vulnerability resulting from presence of the big powers, and concerns about emergence of instability and insecurity in the Caspian Sea, have been more convergent and led to strengthening of cooperation and conclusion of various documents of penta-lateral cooperation among the coastal countries. The present paper is of the Analytical-Descriptive type and the method used is inferential and the data has been analyzed using library and Internet sources.

Russia-EU Strategic Game in the Ongoing Conflict in Abkhazia

Ali Reza Shikh Mohammadi; Sakineh Hashemi

Volume 26, Issue 110 , September 2021, , Pages 100-139

https://doi.org/DOR:20.1001.1.23223766.1399.26.2.4.5

Abstract

In spite of being internationally isolated, the de facto government of Abkhazia has been relatively stable and successful in carrying out its internal functions, a large part of it ... Read More

An Analysis on the Conflict of Donbass from The Prism of International Law

Ataollah Salehi

Volume 25, Issue 108 , March 2020, , Pages 101-141

Abstract

As the Euromaidan movement turned into the 2014 Ukrainian revolution and resulted in the removal of the Yanukovych government, concurrent Anti-Maidan and pro-Russian protests in some ... Read More As the Euromaidan movement turned into the 2014 Ukrainian revolution and resulted in the removal of the Yanukovych government, concurrent Anti-Maidan and pro-Russian protests in some southern and south-eastern regions of Ukraine escalated into separatist movements culminated in the outbreak of the armed conflict in Donbass that eventually concluded in the self-declared independence of the Donetsk People's Republic) DPR (and Luhansk People's Republic) LPR). In fact, in addition to provoking the emotions and dynamics of the past four frozen conflicts in the post-Soviet era, including the Nagorno-Karabakh; the Republic of South Ossetia; Abkhazia; and Transnistria, this crisis added a new dimension to them. The purpose of this paper is to explain and evaluate the Donbass conflict from the prism of international legal order. And the issue this paper addresses is, about the stance of the international legal regime towards the legitimacy of the independence declaration of Donetsk and Luhansk Republics as well as the lawfulness of their recognition by other state. The hypothesis examined is that due to “the lack of evidentiary prof of injustice claimed against the Ukrainian government, lack of prerequisites of remedial Self-Determination, the violation of various principles of international law, the lack of the possession of statehood standards, the two enclaves’ declaration of independence is void of any legitimacy and since they are terrorist-like organisms within the sphere of competence and authority of the Ukrainian government, recognition of these enclaves as republics is considered to be an act of interference in the internal affairs of Ukraine, is illegal and recognizers shall bear international responsibility for their acts.” To this day, the legal reading of the illegality of the recognition of these two republics in a state of de jure adaptation has been compatible with the political performance of states, and these two entities have not been recognized by any independent sovereign state. In this paper a descriptive-analytical method has been applied and in the process of examining the mentioned hypothesis, an inductive methodology has been utilized. The theoretical foundations of this paper are the conceptualization of frozen conflicts and assessing the legitimacy of the separated states’ declaration of independence during these conflicts.

Iran and Sino-Russian Axis in Central Asia

Farzaneh Safary; Hamid Ahmadi; Kayhan Barzegar

Volume 26, Issue 109 , May 2020, , Pages 103-138

Abstract

Central Asia is of great significance for Iran in terms of geopolitical and geostrategic links. In the meanwhile, China and Russia have also paid more attention to Central Asia in recent ... Read More

Consequences of the Expansion of ISIL Presence in Afghanistan on the National Security of the Islamic Republic of Iran

Gholam Ali Chegnizadeh; Seyed Mohammad Kazem Sajjadpour; Mohammad Taghi Jahanbakhsh

Volume 27, Issue 113 , June 2021, , Pages 107-129

Abstract

As a new entity, ISIL has carried out the most violent actions under the flag of Islam and pursued the idea of forming “Welayat-i-Khorasan” in its governmental vision. According ... Read More

The Russia - Ukraine War from JUS AD BELLUM perspective

Behzad Seyfi

Volume 29, Issue 121 , June 2023, , Pages 107-136

Abstract

The Russia-Ukraine war began on February 25, 2022, after months of tension and the presence of Russian military forces on the border of Ukraine, with the order of the Russian president's ... Read More

A Study of the Russia-Ukraine War from an Ontological Security Perspective

pejman norouzi; emad helalat; Amirreza Moghavemi

Volume 28, Issue 120 , March 2023, , Pages 113-135

Abstract

Conflicts and many of the states’ actions can be analyzed through the theory of ontological security. Sometimes, states take measures which endanger their physical and realistic ... Read More

Volume 29 (2023)

Volume 28 (2022)

Volume 27 (2021)

Volume 26 (2020)

Volume 25 (2019)

Volume 24 (2018)

Volume 23 (2017)

Volume 22 (2016)

Volume 21 (2015)

Volume 20 (2014)

Volume 19 (2013)

Volume 18 (2013)

Volume 17 (2012)

Volume 16 (2011)

Volume 15 (2010)

Volume 14 (2009)

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