Article
War in Chechnya, assassinations in Armenia, and a framework agreement for a multi-billion dollar oil pipeline from Azerbaijan to Turkey are just a few recent examples of the complex interaction of economic, political, and security developments affecting the Caspian region.
This fall, the Strengthening Democratic Institutions Project at the Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs launched a new Caspian Studies Program and Azerbaijan Initiative to promote research, teaching, and outreach about this important region.
Recent developments have raised grave concerns about the future stability of the Caspian region. Economic growth has been sluggish, while oil discoveries have proved disappointing.
Doubts about the quality and stability of democracy in the region are growing- especially given that many of the countries face the uncertainty of transition to a new generation of leaders over the next few years.
The continuation of fighting in Chechnya has underlined concerns about Russia playing a new, more aggressive role in the Caspian and Caucasus regions. These and related issues will be at the center of attention of the Caspian Studies Program over the coming months.
The program''s research agenda focuses on three interconnected issues: American national interests in the Caspian Basin; specific geopolitical realities and trends in the states bordering the Caspian Sea; and U.S. political, economic, and security strategies toward the Caspian.
The main programmatic components are: annual experts conferences on prospects for the Caspian region; a Caucasus and Caspian seminar series; and congressional events together with other activities to inform and engage leading U.S. policymakers.
The Azerbaijan Initiative will bring emerging leaders from Azerbaijan to the Kennedy School to receive further training in the school''s degree and executive education programs.
The three-year program is made possible by a generous gift from the United States-Azerbaijan Chamber of Commerce and a consortium of companies led by Exxon-Mobil, Chevron, Aker-Maritime, CCC, ETPM, and the Amerada Hess Corporation.(www.ksg.harvard.edu/bcsia/sdi)