Big Powers Jockey for Oil in Central Asia

The US, the European Union, India, China and Russia compete for influence in Central Asia – a place crucial because of its oil and natural gas reserves, with vital pipelines crisscrossing the region. Currently, Central Asian states largely rely on Russian infrastructure to deliver and sell their oil. Analysts in the West question reliability of Russian oil supplies because of the monopolistic tendencies of the state-owned natural gas giant Gazprom and political motivations behind withholding of oil shipments to the Ukraine and most recently to Belarus. In response, the world’s powers seek to improve energy security by securing access to Central Asian reserves. The currency among the competing buyers is military assistance and economic development. However, such aid measures effectively support leaders who suppress opposition parties and allow little dissent. In societies with growing Islamist movements and deep social discontent, this is a recipe for instability – exactly what the world’s energy importers should avoid. – YaleGlobal