Returnin Putin to Kremlin: the Future of Russian Foreign Policy in Central Asia and Caucasus

This paper studies Putin second presidency and the future of Russian foreign policy in Central Asia and Caucasus. The question is how the re-presidency of Putin changes the Russian foreign policy in the region. The hypothesis is that Putin tries to create a network of political allies by bringing Central Asia and Caucasus states together; while Russia is (as in the past) again in power. The establishment of the Shanghai organization and the idea of formation of Eurasian Union are examples revealing Putin’s willingness to regenerate the Soviet Union and bring the former countries under control of Russia. This idea may challenge the goals and interests of the world powers (U.S.A. and E.U.) and other recent powerful countries in the region (even China and other powerful states of the region like Iran). It shows that this region is of great importance to Russia and in future, it will be the base of political tensions between these authorities.