A new 'Great Game' is unfolding in the Caucasus and Central Asia, echoing the nineteenth-century rivalry between empires, with a modern, multipolar twist. 


Against the backdrop of global geopolitical shifts, the South Caucasus and Central Asia are once again becoming centers of rivalry," - The National Interest, US-funded Think Tank.


The publication notes that today the interests of the US, Russia, the EU, China, Turkey, and Iran all clash with one another in the region. While Russia is occupied on the Ukrainian front, it is trying to maintain its positions in the Caucasus using its soft power influence. The UK is aiming for military cooperation with Central Asia to gain a foothold. The US is exploring massive rare earth metal deals. Israel's growing ties with centers such as Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan. The EU is increasing investments, aiming for energy diversification from Russia. China is developing trade through the Middle Corridor, bypassing Russia. And Turkey, using its Turkic ties, is strengthening its presence in the region.


The National Interest writes that new localized alliances are forming, for instance, the EU, Turkey, China, as well as the US all support the 'Zangezur Corridor' project, but for different reasons. For the EU, it's the energy route into Europe from Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan, whereas for China, it's the 'Middle Corridor', not only bypassing Russia, but also Iran. On the other hand, the project is opposed by Russia and Iran.