Strategic Implications of the War in Ukraine for the Post-Soviet Space: A View from Caucasus and Central Asia

This groundbreaking volume offers an in-depth exploration of how Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine has reshaped the geopolitical landscape of the post-Soviet space, particularly in the Caucasus and Central Asia. Through expert analyses, the book examines the far-reaching consequences of the war, including shifts in regional alliances, energy security dynamics, the rise of new cooperation platforms, and the growing role of external actors such as China and Turkey.

Through rigorous analysis, the book explores critical themes such as the shifting balance of power in the region, the re-emergence of the Organization of Turkic States, Azerbaijan's deepening engagement with Central Asia, Kazakhstan's strategic repositioning, and the complex interplay between Russia, China, Turkey, and the West. It also examines how regional actors are adapting to economic disruptions, energy security challenges, and evolving diplomatic alliances. Blending academic depth with policy relevance, "Strategic Implications of the War in Ukraine for the Post-Soviet Space" is an essential resource for scholars, analysts, and professionals in international relations, security studies, and Eurasian affairs.

Prof. Dr. Rovshan Ibrahimov is a political scientist and professor at Hankuk University of Foreign Studies in Seoul, South Korea. He is an expert on energy diplomacy and Eurasian affairs and has a solid background in academia and governance. Since 1999, he has taught International Relations theory, international security, and energy diplomacy at Qafqaz University in Azerbaijan while simultaneously holding the position of director of the Energy Studies Center. In 2011-2014, Dr. Rosvhan Ibrahimov was appointed as the Head of the Foreign Policy Analysis Department at the Center for Strategic Studies under the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan (SAM). Since 2015, he has been a Professor at Hankuk University of Foreign Studies. His research expertise encompasses energy diplomacy, Azerbaijani foreign policy, IR theories, and conflict studies.

Mr. Fuad Shahbazov is a political scientist, lecturer, and researcher covering conflict studies, regional security of the Eurasian region, political Islam, and energy studies. In 2015, he worked as a Research Assistant at the European Policy Center based in Brussels, covering Russia and the post-Soviet region. Between 2016 and 2018, he was a Research Fellow in the Foreign Policy Analysis Department of the Center for Strategic Studies under the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, covering the Caucasus and European regions. From 2018 to 2021, he was a Senior Analyst at the Center for Strategic Communications. In 2018, he became a Visiting Scholar at the Daniel Morgan School of National Security based in Washington, D.C. From 2023 to 2024, he worked as a Geopolitical Risk Analyst. Fuad holds a BA degree in International Relations from Baku Slavonic University, a master's degree in Political Science from Vytautas Magnus University, a professional master's degree in Terrorism and Religious Extremism from the University of Bergamo, and an MSc degree in Defense and Diplomacy from the University of Durham. Currently, he is an Associate Fellow at Daniel Morgan School.