Geopolitical Factors of Conflict and Cooperation in the Caspian (Potentials of Convergence and Divergence)

Political geographic changes of the Caspian region due to the independence of the states of the Soviet Union in 1991، has created changes in the geopolitical situation. Iran and Russia''s policies in order to maintain and extend their dominance on the region، and the performance of Azerbaijan، Turkmenistan and Kazakhstan in the field of economic progress، to achieve greater independence and reduce reliance، has created a competitive atmosphere in the Caspian Sea. Negotiations and relations with the Caspian countries have so far failed to provide a desirable level of convergence in the region. The main research question is: What are the factors causing conflict and cooperation in the Caspian region? And the atmosphere of the Caspian ties in what direction it is moving? In this paper، we use library and a questionnaire and descriptive- analytical approach، seeking to answer the questions. The results indicate the influence of geographical and geopolitical factors in the prevention of conflict and cooperation in the Caspian region. Among all the factors، those created the conflicts are more dominant and Lead to more and more divergence among the Caspian countries.