Упрощенная HTML-версия
Author : Kh. Kireyev
Doctoral Candidate at the Academy of Public Administration under the President of the Russian Fed-
eration, Candidate of Sciences (Political Sciences)
THE BREAKUP OF THE USSR signified the start
of the process of geopolitical changes everywhere in
the former Soviet Union. Many regions have become
spheres of national interests of the world's leading
states. The geopolitical importance of the Caucasus is
indisputable and not accidental. One possible proof
is that more than 30 states have declared the Caucasus
to be the zone of their interests.
The North Caucasus has always held a special place in Russia's policy. Under the present
conditions, the region's role and place on the geopolitical map have grown even more im-
portant. The reasons for it are above all its immediate vicinity of NATO's southern flank,
its direct vicinity of Transcaucasia and Central Asia and outlets to the Caspian and Black
Seas.
The following should be singled out from among the factors strongly influencing the sys-
tem of security, the contents and nature of the social, political and socioeconomic situation
in the North Caucasus:
1. The geopolitical factor international rivalry over the region and tensions surrounding
the Abkhazia and South Ossetia issues.
2. The fragmentariness and inconsistency of the nationalities policy.
3. The political instability and the struggle for power among ethnic elites.
4. Illegal armed units whose terrorist acts and attacks have become one of the main prob-
lems in the North Caucasus.
5. The presence of many ethnic groups and religions and ethnic conflicts.
6. The erosion of a single legal framework; the aspiration of the republics, territories and
regions for more powers.
7. The economic crisis attended by the growing social and ethnic differentiation of soci-
ety.
8. The worsening crime situation and the growing corruption among the authorities.
9. Uncontrollable migration processes and their impact on the socioeconomic situation.
10. The weak information policy.
These are only the main conflict-generating factors impacting on the situation in the North
Caucasus.
Электронное приложение к журналу «
Международная жизнь
»
The North Caucasus and Geopolitical Interests of World Powers