Central Asian Energy: Circumventing Russia

The states of Central Asia and the Caucasus are rich in oil and natural gas, but Soviet-era transport infrastructure sends the vast bulk of production through Russia as these producers seek markets. A great chess game is taking place as other players - especially Europe and China - vie with Moscow for access to the region’s energy reserves.

Key Analysis

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Kazakh President Nursultan Nazarbayev (L) and Chinese President Hu Jintao during Nazarbayev's December 2006 visit to China

Kazakhstan, China: The Implications of a Completed Pipeline

July 1, 2009 1810 GMT

The completion of a pipeline segment means Kazakhstan can expand oil shipments to China. (With STRATFOR map) [more]

photo--Russian President Dmitri Medvedev (L) and Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev on June 29

Russia: Moscow's Grip on Caucasus Energy Tightens

June 30, 2009 1659 GMT

A deal between Russia and Azerbaijan will increase Russia's hold on Europe's energy sources and potential energy transit routes. [more]

Blue Stream natural gas pipeline in Turkey

Russia, Turkey: Untangling Pipeline Problems

May 21, 2009 1900 GMT

Of the recent slew of natural gas pipeline proposals, the Blue Stream agreement between Russia and Turkey appears to be the most sound. (With STRATFOR map) [more]