‍Central Asia and The Caucasus Journal

Turkmenistan’s Policy on Water Resources in Hydropolitics of Central Asia

Anis Khosravani; Mohammad Tohidfam

Volume 26, Issue 109 , May 2020, Pages 1-31

Abstract

Due to the extremely indiscrete nature of the aquatic structures and the complicated and manipulated hydropolitics of Central Asia, the water, energy and food security in every country ... Read More Due to the extremely indiscrete nature of the aquatic structures and the complicated and manipulated hydropolitics of Central Asia, the water, energy and food security in every country in the region is potentially affected by even a slight change in the water politics of each of the five states. Accordingly, Central Asia, or at least every set of states situated at two drainage basins of Amu Darya and Syr Darya, could be considered as a hydropolitical security complex. This study analyzes and evaluates Turkmenistan’s policy on water resources within the Amu Darya hydropolitical security complex, with an emphasis on the use of extraterritorial surface runoff. The question is “what do Turkmenistan’s water problems arise from and what is the practical way to overcome them?” In response, the hypothesis that was tested is that “the water problems in Turkmenistan are caused by growing demands for irrigation in that country that are the result of three factors: rapid population growth, non-optimal irrigation methods, and the climate change. A plan to optimize the water consumption and develop a multilateral mechanism for fair allocation of water with the purpose of ensuring water-energy security in all countries located in the Amu Darya hydropolitical security complex would address the water problems to a large extent.” This article is based on qualitative method (descriptive-analytical research) and has used inductive methodology. The descriptive statistics and the findings based on this method have been analyzed in the light of the concept of water security and the hydropolitical security complex hypothesis. An analysis of the findings of the article confirm the abovementioned hypothesis to some extent, suggesting that Turkmenistan and other downstream countries have no choice but to “abandon the option for cash crop farming and focus on substitute plans to generate profit and provide employment for the rural population” or to “follow a pattern similar to the water-energy barter system under the Soviet Union”.

The Narration of the Japanese Silk Road in Central Asia and its Relation with the Belt and Road Initiative

Mojtaba Touiserkani

Volume 26, Issue 109 , May 2020, Pages 33-69

Abstract

Japan’s Silk Road Diplomacy, introduced in 1997, is considered as the first formal and obvious use of the Silk Road metaphor by a Post-Soviet States in order for engaging with ... 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 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

Russia's Cyber Policy on Evolution of Virtual Space Governance Regime

Somayeh Ghanbari

Volume 26, Issue 109 , May 2020, Pages 140-174

Abstract

Russia’s extensive diplomatic efforts to govern and make the virtual space regulations, referred to as cyber diplomacy, have passed three stages of development so far. At first, ... Read More

Role of Regional Initiatives in Transition from Unipolarity to Multipolarity System: The Case of Greater Eurasia Plan

Seyed Amir Niakoee; Asgar Safari

Volume 26, Issue 109 , May 2020, Pages 176-196

Abstract

The structure of the current international system results from dissolution of the Soviet Union and termination of bipolar order. The main feature of this system is uneven distribution ... Read More The structure of the current international system results from dissolution of the Soviet Union and termination of bipolar order. The main feature of this system is uneven distribution of power. Such structure, known as unipolar order, has increased the competition among the international system’s main actors for filling the power vacuum. Some believe that such tensions could prepare the ground for the international system’s transition to multipolar order. The reasoning behind the conclusion is weakness of the United States of America, emergence of new powers, and formation of new poles within the framework of regional initiatives. The latest example of such bloc of non-Western powers is the Greater Eurasia plan, pursued by Russia after the Ukraine crisis. The idea of “Great Eurasia” refers to an area stretching from Lisbon to Shanghai. However, this is a geopolitical innovation, political slogan, economic ambition, and ideological structure. Most importantly, it seeks to create a modern and post-American order with Russia playing the vital role. Considering that issue, the main question of the article is “what role and function could the regional initiatives, such as the Greater Eurasia, play in the current international system’s transition to multipolar order?” The authors believe that considering the power imbalance in the international system and the constant efforts by the actors to make up for it, the regional initiatives are an innovative instrument for decentralization of power in the international system and perform two main functions. Firstly, they prevent direct confrontation between the main actors of the international system (Sino-Russian cooperation under this initiative to avert direct confrontation with the US), and, secondly, they help formation of multipolar order by presenting substitute regulations (Russian efforts to change norms of liberal order). Due to the complexities of relations between the actors in such sets, the pace of transition would be slow, but, if materialized, they could have a leading role in the creation of a perfect multipolar order in the long term. The article is based on descriptive-analytical research method.

‍Central Asia and The Caucasus Journal

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Volume & Issue: Volume 26, Issue 109, May 2020, Pages 1-196

Turkmenistan’s Policy on Water Resources in Hydropolitics of Central Asia

Abstract

The Narration of the Japanese Silk Road in Central Asia and its Relation with the Belt and Road Initiative

Abstract

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

Abstract

Iran and Sino-Russian Axis in Central Asia

Abstract

Russia's Cyber Policy on Evolution of Virtual Space Governance Regime

Abstract

Role of Regional Initiatives in Transition from Unipolarity to Multipolarity System: The Case of Greater Eurasia Plan

Abstract