Publication

Until recently, American policymakers considered the region a periphery of the Caucasus and the Middle East, both hubs of energy, rather than valuable in and of itself. The eclipse of Russia’s regional presence, however, appears to be over and its comeback is spurred by the advantage its position in the energy sector affords it. It is difficult to foresee the full spectrum of consequences that Kosovar independence will generate. In principle it will create a precedent that will make it impossible for Western states to deny self-determination to other candidates under similar circumstances.