Investigating the regional environment of the Caspian Sea; understanding patterns of conflict and security cooperation

پژوهش نامه ایرانی سیاست بین الملل

Article 2, Volume 12, Issue 2 - Serial Number 24, June 2024, Pages 25-50   

Document Type: Original Article

DOI: 10.22067/irlip.2024.82195.1380

Authors

Keyvan Afsharian^{* 1}; reza simbar²; Mehdi Hedayati Shahidani³

¹PhD Candidate in International Relations at Guilan University

²full professor

³university of Guilan

Abstract

Introduction
The Caspian Sea region due to the presence of huge energy reserves and being located at the point of connection between the two continents of Asia and Europe; It becomes more important day by day. The interests of the Islamic Republic of Iran, which is one of the important members of this new region, are highly dependent on the pattern governing the region and its security issues.

Methodology
By using the literature of modern regionalism and the framework of regional security complexes and a two-step exploratory hybrid research method, the indicators of this theory are first evaluated in the studied region and then using the concept of dependence. Security interdependence, in two dimensions of security conflict (negative aspect of security interdependence) and security cooperation (positive aspect of security interdependence), issues for developing research tools (questionnaire) are counted. Then, in the quantitative stage of the research, the questionnaires are evaluated by a statistical sample of 49 experts in this field.

Conclusion
Any military cooperation of regional countries with extra-regional powers can lead the region to a security conflict. it is necessary to pay attention to the fact that the pursuit of these issues by the newly independent countries is usually the result of the implementation of extensive exercises and the creation of new bases by the Russian Federation in the Caspian Sea region. Therefore, it can be said that if this increasing trend continues in the coming years, the movement of the Caspian Sea region towards controversial patterns is inevitable.

Keywords

Regional security complex; Caspian Sea region; security issues; conflict and security cooperation

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