The Caspian: Politics, Energy, Security

A region which holds the world's largest unexploited oil and mineral resources, where the break-up of the Soviet Union has created a security vacuum, where East, West and Asian powers are currently wing for influence -- the Caspian basin is surrounded by states old and new seeking to utilize their natural wealth to launch their people into the twenty-first century. Influential figures from all the countries round the Caspian and some of their near neighbors met in England in May 1996 for an unprecedentedly frank and fruitful discussion of the regions problems and the need for a united approach to building mutual confidence and security. The presentations in this volume reflect the particular concerns of each of these states, which together with contributions from British experts offer a unique perspective on the prospects and priorities for long-term development around the Caspian basin.