Energy Infrastructure Cooperation Between China and the Caspian Region States

This study’s research problem is the determinants, evolution and implementation of cooperation in the energy dimension between the Caspian states of Central Asia (Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan) and the People’s Republic of China (PRC). Pipeline routes are determined considering economic conditions, but are also the result of geopolitical actions of the states. The study aims to verify the research hypothesis that the specificity of cooperation in the energy field between the Caspian states and China is conditioned by objective economic interdependencies, but also results from geopolitical conditions. A predictive approach, related to the future role of the Caspian region in the energy market, was taken into account. A factor method was used in the analysis to identify the determinants of cooperation in the energy dimension between the Caspian states and China. A theoretical approach useful in solving the research problem is the geopolitical (geo-energy) approach and the theory of complex interdependence.