The Russian-Georgian war (7-12 August) has triggered a process of rapid and significant changes in the geopolitical balance in the Southern Caucasus and the Caspian region. Russia's ambitions and potential, as revealed during the conflict, have made it the dominant political and security force in the region. At the same time, the position of the West and its credibility as a political counterbalance to Russia have been seriously undermined (this particularly applies to the USA). The new balance of power has triggered intensified activity by the local powers, Iran and especially Turkey, which - without undermining the position of Russia - have been promoting their own political and economic interests. Moreover, China's growing importance is increasingly apparent, especially in Central Asia.
