Author(s): Amb. Michael W. Cotter
Journal: Caucasian Review of International Affairs
ISSN 1865-6773
Volume: 2;
Issue: 2;
Start page: 107;
Date: 2008;
Original page
Keywords: Central Asia | Afghanistan | Pakistan | Iran | India | Russia | Turkmenistan
ABSTRACT
For the first time in centuries, the region from Western China to Iran and from the Steppes of Russia to Northern India can and, this essay argues, should be viewed as an entity. Possessed of significant natural resources, and forming the backyard of five important world powers, the region has great possibilities for economic development, but it also contains the potential for conflict among nuclear-armed neighbors. One of the great challenges of the 21st century will be to ensure that the region becomes an engine for growth, not for conflict.
Journal: Caucasian Review of International Affairs
ISSN 1865-6773
Volume: 2;
Issue: 2;
Start page: 107;
Date: 2008;
Original page
Keywords: Central Asia | Afghanistan | Pakistan | Iran | India | Russia | Turkmenistan
ABSTRACT
For the first time in centuries, the region from Western China to Iran and from the Steppes of Russia to Northern India can and, this essay argues, should be viewed as an entity. Possessed of significant natural resources, and forming the backyard of five important world powers, the region has great possibilities for economic development, but it also contains the potential for conflict among nuclear-armed neighbors. One of the great challenges of the 21st century will be to ensure that the region becomes an engine for growth, not for conflict.