The Caspian Region: Arena for Clashing Civilizations?

Abstract

This paper explores the theoretical assumptions that Samuel P. Huntington has made about international relations. The ideas developed in his book, Clash of Civilizations and the Remaking of World Order, have received heavy criticism. Huntington's words have struck a chord, however, and deserve more than blanket dismissal.

The Caspian region presents an ideal geographical region for study, with respect to the effort to derive any utility from his theory. During the 19th Century, the Ottoman, Russian, and British empires engaged in a power struggle in this region that has been called The Great Game. This competition fits with Huntington's conception of civilization conflict.

Similar patterns of global competition have persisted. Russia, China, and the United States are the global powers now competing within this region. The analysis of state interaction in this region holds implications for future foreign policy analysis; particularly in the Caspian region but with global implications. This research of state interaction, to derive patterns of conflict within the Caspian region, uses historical event data analysis that moves from global to regional levels of analysis. The conclusion of this research is that any usefulness of Huntington's paradigm is bound to a global level of analysis; both in the realm of international relations theory and foreign policy application.

Notes

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Thesis Completion

2006

Semester

Fall

Advisor

Sadri, Houman A.

Degree

Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)

College

College of Sciences

Degree Program

Political Science

Subjects

Dissertations, Academic -- Sciences; Sciences -- Dissertations, Academic; Caspian Sea Region -- Politics and government -- 20th century; Huntington, Samuel P. -- Clash of civilizations and the remaking of world order; Islam and world politics

Format

Print

Identifier

DP0021987

Language

English

Access Status

Open Access

Length of Campus-only Access

None

Document Type

Honors in the Major Thesis

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