The echoes of history often reverberate into the present, and the concept of the "Old Great Game" is no exception. In the enduring rivalry between Russia and Britain for control over the Caspian Sea region, we find the seeds of geopolitical conflicts that continue to shape our world today. As we explore the historical context and the contemporary implications of this age-old struggle, it becomes clear that the game has evolved, drawing new players onto the field and sparking intense competitions with far-reaching consequences.
The Old Great Game refers to the powerful rivalry between Russia and Britain in controlling the Caspian Sea region. Russian domination of the Caspian Sea region would preclude communication between Britain’s communications with India, as the Caspian Sea connects India to Europe. Consequently, a Russian domination over this region would have some serious consequences. The threat of Russian expansion has historically been a source conflict in this region, as obtaining control of the Caspian Sea region would enable the country to inhibit westernization. (Bayramov, Agha. "Conflict, cooperation or competition in the Caspian Sea region: A critical review of the New Great Game paradigm."; Caucasus Survey 9.1 (2021): 6.) The presence of natural resources such as oil and gas remains the primary reason for the competition between the external players in both the New and Old Great Games.
There are many direct consequences of the Old Great Game that continue to impact the Caspian Sea region. First, the element of competition in this region seemingly initiated the development of many world powers, the incentive to power created a powerful vacuum. This mere observation is easily proven gazing through the lens of the New Great Game, which involves many more competitors such as the US, China, the UK, and Russia, rather than the sole regions of Russia and Britain. The presence of New Great Game players in the area has led to the creation of infrastructures such as the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan, the Southern Gas Corridor, the Baku-Tbilisi-Erzurum (BTE), and the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway to name a few. (Ibid., 6) Overall, international infrastructure projection remains the best way of gaining influence over others in the area. Additionally, the competition in the region has also led to collaboration both within the region and among the competitors to strengthen the opposing sides. (Ibid., 15) For example, relations between China and Russia have improved due their tendencies to act against the West. On the other side, the US partnered with Great Britain to undermine Russian influence in the area.
This year, Russia invaded Ukraine, accusing it of liaising with western countries which form NATO. This war in Ukraine has become a competition between the West and Russia, with Western countries supporting Ukraine to invade Russia through military and financial aid. According to Bayramov, Russia has always needed to outdo the western powers for recognition as a superpower. Success in Ukraine would make this happen for Russia. (Ibid., 12) This is supported by Russia's initial warning that should any western country attempt to intervene, they would declare war. Moreover, according to Bayramov, China indirectly supported Russia during the war while the UK and US collaborated against Russia. (Ibid., 8) This political competition supports Bayramov's
ideologies that the Great Game is indeed a competition between Russia, China, and the western powers.
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