The New Great Game

The New Great Game examines the modern competition for power and resources in Central Asia, focusing on the period following the Soviet Union's collapse. This geopolitical account tracks how various nations and corporations vie for control of the region's vast oil and gas reserves. Kleveman documents his firsthand observations from traveling through eight countries including Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Afghanistan. His reporting combines interviews with local citizens, political leaders, warlords, and international players involved in the region's energy politics. The narrative connects historical context from the 19th century "Great Game" between Britain and Russia to contemporary tensions involving the United States, China, Russia, and neighboring powers. The book explores how pipeline routes, military bases, and strategic alliances shape the balance of power. This work raises questions about the intersection of energy security, geopolitical competition, and the fate of populations caught between competing international interests. The parallels between past and present power struggles demonstrate recurring patterns in how major powers approach this strategically critical region.

Readers found the book provides detailed coverage of Central Asia's geopolitical dynamics, particularly regarding oil and energy resources. Many appreciated Kleveman's first-hand reporting and interviews from the region. Liked: - Clear explanation of complex regional politics - Personal accounts from local sources - Maps and historical context - Accessible writing style for newcomers to the topic Disliked: - Some readers felt the analysis was oversimplified - Several noted the book is now dated (published 2003) - A few readers wanted more depth on China's role - Some criticized the focus on oil over other factors Ratings: Goodreads: 3.7/5 (89 ratings) Amazon: 4.1/5 (28 ratings) Notable reader comment: "Provides a good introduction but overstates the oil angle while understating other regional dynamics like water rights and ethnic tensions." - Goodreads reviewer The book receives stronger ratings from general readers than academic reviewers, who tend to critique its broad-brush approach to complex issues.

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Black Earth by Andrew Meier An examination of post-Soviet Russia's transformation through its oil politics and power struggles in the Caucasus region.

Pipeline Politics by John Roberts The analysis of how oil and gas pipelines shape geopolitical relationships between Central Asia, Russia, and Western powers.

The End of Eurasia by Dmitri Trenin A study of Russia's changing role in Central Asia and the Caucasus following the collapse of the Soviet Union.

🔹 Author Lutz Kleveman traveled over 4,000 miles through eight countries while researching this book, often in dangerous conditions and conflict zones. 🔹 The term "Great Game" was popularized by Rudyard Kipling in his novel "Kim" and originally referred to the 19th-century rivalry between British and Russian empires in Central Asia. 🔹 The Caspian Sea region discussed in the book contains an estimated 200 billion barrels of oil, making it one of the world's largest untapped fossil fuel reserves. 🔹 The author conducted interviews with warlords, oil executives, diplomats, and ordinary citizens across Central Asia, providing firsthand accounts of the region's complex power dynamics. 🔹 The book was published in 2003, shortly after the U.S. invasion of Afghanistan, offering timely insights into how the "War on Terror" intersected with regional energy politics.