ABSTRACT
Central Asia was considered the heartland of the ancient Asian world. Its pivotal geographical position allowed it to play a key role in the relations among the tribes and peoples of Eurasia. Many diplomats feared that the Soviet collapse could only mean a renewed competition among the Great Powers for regional influence in Central Asia. Diplomats and analysts struggled to define the situation and identify vital interests at stake in this new Great Game. Russia is the most important neighbour of all the Central Asian countries. The events in Central Asia during the first year of independence had a significant influence on domestic Russian political debates. The Caspian Sea, the world's largest inland body of water, has long been dominated by Russia. The region's rich oil and gas reserves are located primarily in Azerbaijan, Kazakstan, and Turkmenistan. The Caspian Pipeline Consortium was founded by Russia, Kazakstan, and Oman in 1995.
