A atuação da política externa estadunidense na região do Cáspio: a busca pela segurança energética em um barril de pólvora (1993-2008)

Abstract

The quest for energy security has been, to the US, one of the pillars of its foreign policy since the first Oil Shock in 1973. Since then, what is observed is the gradual development of a wide US strategy to control the reserves and the fate of the world’s hydrocarbons, as evidenced by a greater engagement – whether political, economical or military – in regions rich in energy resources. In this sense, after the disintegration of the soviet territory and the emergence of the new Independent States, rich in hydrocarbons reserves, of the Caspian Sea region, a progressive intensification of the US presence in the region is noticed, supported by the speech of democracy diffusion and protection of the sovereignty of these young States. However, from 1991 till present day, a continuous instability and increasing militarization in the region is noticed. Thus, this monograph proposes that, in addition to historical ethnic rivalries, the cause for instability in the Caspian Region is related to the energy security strategy embraced by the US, which collided with Russian and Chinese interests in the region. To demonstrate this, we seek to present the different means used by Washington to control the region and, consequently, its energy resources. From this analysis, the monograph verifies that the US energy security strategy tends to foment the creation of alliance systems, and rivalries between States and/or separatist groups are inflated, as great examples of these events are the disputes over the routes of energy pipelines, the Colorful Revolutions and the growing regional militarization.