Asian, Political Science, International Relations 

This work explores the geopolitical struggles that are currently underway in the newly independent states of the Caucasus region, showing how many players in the region are coalescing into two opposing blocs. The growing political, military and economic ties amongst the countries of these two blocs stem from a number of developments in the region, most notably the fall of the Soviet Union, and consequently the end of the Cold War and its bi-polar global alliance structure. These blocs are competing for influence in the region, and the rights to exploit and transport the rich energy resources that have been found in the Caspian Sea.
The text shows how many actors have been willing to co-operate in other non-energy related issues, in the hope of receiving a financial reward when countries do decide on these matters. In addition to simply describing the new Geo-political situation in the region, Bulent Aras put a special emphasis on Turkey’s role in the region, and suggests ways in which turkey can create a successful foreign policy there.
 

The Islamic revolution was a major turning point in the modern history of Iran and one of the main developments in the contemporary Middle East. Carried by a wave of popular support, the revolution represented a new political system and leadership, with a new ideology and a vision of the ideal society. It embodied a promise - and raised expectations - of a brighter future for the country and the people. Once in power, however, the revolutionary leaders were often obliged to compromise revolutionary ideology in pragmatic response to the exigencies of their situation. Yet, opinions as to the actual policy which should be implemented and to the particular fields and pace of the change have differed, often drastically, among those representing the various political trends - radicals or extremists, pragmatists or reformists, conservatives of hard-liners, as they are often depicted.
Retreat from dogma notwithstanding, the government has not yet managed to resolve Iran's pressing problems. Khatami's election (1997) was, in a way, the result of the growing discontent and signalled intensification of the existing domestic rifts. The Iranian ship of state continues to drift from course to course in search of a proper equilibrium: between dedication to its revolutionary convictions and the importunate demands of governance, between religion and state, and between Islam and the West.
The first part of the book examines domestic developments and their influence on Iran's policy and posture. The second explores Iran's regional ambitions and politics. In studying matters thus, this book also attempts to decipher the complexities that characterize the relationship between Iran's domestic dynamics and its foreign policies. 

CONTENTS

1. Introduction …………………………………………………….....................p. 1

2. 1. Turkey's Policy toward the Caspian Sea Region Basin…….. .p. 7

3. 2. Greece's Security Dilemma in the Caucasus…………………..... p. 27

4. 3. Iranian Policy toward the Caspian Sea Region Basin …….…..p. 37

5. 4. Israel's Strategy in Azerbaijan and Central Asia …………….....p. 53

6. 5. US-Central Asian Relations …………………………………................p. 69

7. 6. The Relations between Europe and the Turkic Republics ….…p. 80

8. Conclusion: Turkey's Options …………………………………...............…p. 96