Abstract
This chapter addresses the linkage between Caspian regional politics and environmental management. In particular, explore the domestic and international political requirements involved in achieving a strong legal and regulatory regime to promote sustainable development. Domestically, this includes the nature of central institutions and the structure of incentives facing the decision-making elite, as well as the importance of local politics — both as an input into the policy process (especially in Russia and Kazakhstan) and as a crucial factor affecting implementation. Internationally, it includes the geopolitical implications of resource degradation and the pivotal role played by outside powers. Along the way, this chapter highlights the significance of the regime-building efforts undertaken by the Caspian Environment Programme. In addition to evaluating the potential of this program, I also discuss the importance of political factors in determining its ultimate success or failure.
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References
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Blum, D.W. (2000). National, Subnational and International Politics: Environmental Regime-Building in the Caspian Sea. In: Ascher, W., Mirovitskaya, N. (eds) The Caspian Sea: A Quest for Environmental Security. NATO Science Series, vol 67. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-011-4032-4_22
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