2010

Summary Caspian Report provides analysis, news and relevant history about geopolitics. The primary focus of the channel in Asia with occasional ventures into Africa and the Americas. Stories include both cooperation and conflict presented from multiple perspectives with occasional informed prognostication. View more details

2010

CaspianReport

Directed : Unknown

Written : Unknown

Stars : Shirvan Neftchi Gurpreet Singh Goraya

All cast & crew

8.1

Details

Genres : Documentary

Release date : Sep 18, 2010

Countries of origin : Azerbaijan

Official sites : Official English YouTube Channel Official French YouTube Channel

Language : English German Spanish Russian French

Details

Genres : Documentary

Release date : Sep 18, 2010

Countries of origin : Azerbaijan

Official sites : Official English YouTube Channel Official French YouTube Channel

Language : English German Spanish Russian French

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Episodes

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Jan 09, 2010

Mapping the rise of Turkey's military reach

The Arab Spring forced Turkey to drop its subtle behind the scenes diplomacy for a more aggressive posture. In the decade following it became a potent regional political and military power and an important arms developer, producer and exporter.

Aug 28, 2012

Pre-Islamic history of the Middle East

Here is the political history of the Middle East - the ebb and flow of kingdoms from the first until the Islamic empire. Ibn-Khaldun described this period as repeated cycles of conquest, consolidation, expansion, degeneration and reconquest.

Dec 14, 2019

Canada wants 100 million people by 2100

Considering its land mass Canada is seriously under populated. As a result its geopolitical and economic influence is limited. Initiatives it increase Canada's population to one hundred million people by the end to the twenty first century have come and gone. But the melting Arctic Ocean and the resultant economic opportunities and challenges have moved it back into the forefront of domestic politics.

Jan 20, 2020

2020 Forecast: Europe

Feb 23, 2020

Dutch proposal to dam the North Sea

Expectations are that sea level rise will inundate large tracts of coastal communities in northern Europe within the next few decades. A potential method to mitigate the damage is to build mega dams between Scotland and Norway and between England and France. While the cost of this project is daunting it is less costly than the alternative of abandoning the coastal areas.

Mar 16, 2020

The Pentagon predicts its own collapse

General Mark Miley reported that the US Millitary is concerned about and planning for climate change. The military anticipates climate induced disruption of operations occurring simultaneously with international crises. Admiral William Francis Moran testified that naval bases by necessity are built along sea coasts making them vulnerable to flooding from sea level rise.

Mar 23, 2020

Europe's plan to checkmate Russia

Appalled by the prospect of hegemony by a reinvigorated Russia, twelve nations in Central Europe are forging an alliance reminiscent of the Intermarium. They are considering a plethora of infrastructure mega projects to foster international trade between the group and reducing reliance on Russia. The United States and German have offered to bankroll much of the effort. Of course Russia and other countries that fear the effects of the relationship are posing resistance.

May 08, 2020

The Art of Geopolitics, Part 1: Introduction

Geopolitics is the global mechanism of deciding who has access to what resources and who decides. The founding student of geopolitics, Halford Mackinder, defined the Post-Columbian epoch following the period of European colonization noting that the entire world is now nationalized. So one nation's gain involves another's loss and will likely result in conflict.

May 09, 2020

Portugal plans to double its territory

During the European recessions in the early twenty-first century Portugal was forced by the European Union to impose austerity measures on its economy. This wake-up call lead Portugal to prepare the Mar Portugal Plan to regain more autonomy. Under the plan Portugal will claim its 'extended continental shelf' as its exclusive economic zone as is its right under international law. The claim will extend Portugal from the Iberian peninsula to the Mid-Atlantic rift making it one of the largest countries in the world, 97 percent of it ocean.

May 14, 2020

Will the Middle East go nuclear?

A nuclear armed Middle East is a looming nightmare. The temptation to become a nuclear armed nation in the region is high as such a nation could exercise a much more belligerent foreign policy. Fortunately, becoming a nuclear armed nation is not easy. It is costly, it risks economic retaliation and isolation and Isreal will go to great lengths to prevent it. And it is not an advantage that will last for long as other nations will acquire the same capability as rapidly as possible,

Aug 03, 2020

New Zealand at the centre of big power play

Besides the two Aukland Islands New Zealand is comprised of numerous far flung islands that give the country the ninth largest maritime zone in the world. Seafloor mapping over the past ten years has uncovered that it also has a much larger continental shelf than was previously known. This discovery may have political importance as Austrlia, New Zealand, France and the United states strive to contain China's ambitions in the western Pacific.

Aug 18, 2020

Kosovo triggers a domino effect in the Balkans

The stalemate over Kosovo independence with Serbia softened in 2018 with the proposal of a land swap that would return a largely Serbian region of Kosovo to Serbia in exchange for a region largely populated by Albanians. This raised alarm bells with those familiar with the Balkans because their are many separatists movement and ethnic enclaves that could rise to the occasion with their own demands.

Oct 06, 2020

Mercenaries are reshaping the battlefield

Mercenary armies such as the French Foreign Legion have a long history. But they came to the fore during the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq where some fifty percent of military personnel were private contracts and fifteen per cent of them were active combatants. Today (year 2020) large combat units are openly used by many countries such as Iran and Turkey as well as the super powers. Here's why and where they are deployed.

Oct 25, 2020

Why Armenia and Azerbaijan Are at War

Following the breakup of the Soviet union the odd distribution of the Serb and Ajeri people in the Nagorno-Karabakh region lead to territorial disputes and Serbia invaded and took possession of the region driving out 750,000 Ajeri. There is a framework for a treaty that would return thinks to 'normal'. But after 27 years no agreement has been reached and Serbia was acting to annex the region. By 2020 Serbia had managed to offend the local superpowers, Russia, Iran and Turkey so Ajerbajan has undertaken military action to retake the territory.

Dec 17, 2020

Why Arab-Israeli ties are normalizing

In Arab countries public opinion is firmly against reconciliation with Israel yet animosity between Isreal and several Arab governments, notably Saudi Arabia, is easing. There are three major factors at play. Saudi Arabia's rival, Iran, has become more active on the international stage. Multilateral relationships and Pan-Arabism have faded in favor or bilateral relations. Two new mega projects important to Sudi Arabia involve Isreal; the Tracks for Regional Peace railway project and the new city of NEOM.

Feb 16, 2021

A new scramble for Africa

The Eurpean Union is by far Africa's largest training partner. Bilateral trade between the two regions continues to increase with the construction and expansion of transportation hubs along the North African trade corridors and the manufacturing base throughout the continent. The growth has not gone without notice and Asian superpowers are also expanding their economic relationships with Africa.

Mar 06, 2021

Warfare is Going Autonomous and Robotic

Apr 02, 2021

China could invade Taiwan by 2027

The People's Republic of China desperately wants control of Taiwan. But the Hong Kong protests and other incidents have made Taiwan even more independent minded. So the Chinese Communists are turning aggressive. Beijing is probably incapable of an extremely risky and bloody amphibious invasion of Taiwan. So it has engaged in psychological warfare to make Taiwan feel isolated.

Apr 22, 2021

Ukraine and Russia Preparing for a New War

Centered in the European Plain Ukraine is a desirable region to control as a buffer to foreign invasion. Its position divides the country politically with the west leaning to the West and the east leaning toward Russia to the point of being separatist. In April 2021 a new round of military mobilization is underway near the Dombas region in Russia. With the popularity of both the Russian and Ukrainean leaders at an all time low here are Putin's options.

Apr 29, 2021

The making of an Asian NATO

The 2004 Tsunami brought together an improvised coalition of Australia, India, Japan and the United States to provide humanitarian aid. This prompted Shinzo Abe, prime minister of Japan, to propose the Quadrilateral Security Dialog but it quickly fell apart. But in response to China's more aggressive corrosion it has be re-invigorated with the goal of containing China.

May 14, 2021

Why Israel and Palestine are fighting

Was the flare up in the conflict between Isreal and Hamas during Ramadan 2021 a spontaneous reaction to a pilgrimage getting out of control? More likely it was a deliberate action by Hamas to appear strong on the eve of up coming Palestinian elections when it hopes to wrest control of the West Bank form Fatah.

Jun 03, 2021

Spain makes grand plans for Africa

Since the end of its days as a major empire Spain has been politically insular participating only reluctantly in NATO and the EU. In a radical change Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez announced a policy of engagement with Africa since it is already intertwined with Africa's prospects. In particular the policy invites African students to study in Spanish Universities, encourages Spanish companies to establish offices and factories in Africa, funding to support infrastructure projects and even military protection of trade routes to fight piracy.

Jun 19, 2021

What would happen if Russia collapsed?

Jul 13, 2021

Central Asia on the verge of a water war

When central Asia belonged to the Soviet Union convoluted borders were created to deliberately induce resource disputes that could only be settled by Moscow. Post Soviet Union the borders are still in place and still lead to conflicts as the countries exert their Independence. And still, as mediator, Moscow exerts control.

Jul 19, 2021

Why Russia wants to restore the Soviet borders

Moscow has used vast tracks territory as security for centuries. Even today it's vast western territories surrounded by geographic barriers give it secure northern, eastern and southwestern boarders. But in the east the European plane is wide open to potential invaders as is the Central Asian steppe. The Soviet Union was much easier to defend when it controlled these areas. So Russian is seeking to bring them back under its control.

Sep 13, 2021

Algeria & Morocco: the world's most self-destructive rivalry

The emergence of Morocco and Algeria from colonial French and Spanish control over fifty years ago lead to extreme tension between the two countries that continues to today (2021). Initiated by border and territorial disputes Morrocco turned to the United States and Algeria to the Soviet Union and began an arms race that neither can afford.

Sep 21, 2021

India's masterplan to counter China

China's Belt and Road Initiative is not just providing economic expansion, for China. China is also using it to isolate and encircle India. India, of course is not sitting still for this situation. It is working to use China's own strategy to expand international relations and commerce. The four new corridors described here look very good on paper but are proving to be challenging.

Oct 18, 2021

Why China Cannot Abandon Communism

If coastal China was a country it would be one of the wealthiest and advanced countries in the world. But China also retains a vast interior as a strategic military buffer that is poor and undeveloped. And that is where communism comes into play. The autocratic Chinese Communist Party has sufficient authority to redistribute wealth to the interior to maintain a decent standard of living there.

Nov 11, 2021

Bosnia in danger of breaking up

The Dayton Accords established peace in Bosnia but left it with an awkward government that was only held together by the European Union operated Office of the High Representative. When the United States suddenly pulled out of this office the Europeans were caught of guard and separatists, notably, Milorad Dodik, saw an opportunity for succession.

Dec 11, 2021

The Nubian Shield is the world's next mining destination

Nine countries sit atop the Arabian Nubian Shield, a mineral rich rock formation that is the likely worth trillions of dollars in mining revenue. But this is a conflict ridden region controlled by terrorist states and autocratic governments that oppress their inhabitants. But that shows hints of moderation in exchange for the buried wealth.

Dec 23, 2021

Albania and Kosovo Move Towards a Backdoor Union

Although one hundred nations recognize Kosovo's independence, Serbia, which claims it, backed by Russia and China do not. That has prompted Kosovo with an ethnic Albanian majority to seek unification with Albania. But since this is the Baltics where calling it complicated is a great understatement.

Jan 09, 2022

Sweden Joining NATO would Crush Russian power

While Sweden has traditionally maintained a position of neutrality in Europen conflicts, Russian aggression at the down of the 21st century has tilted Sweden toward NATO. This is a tremendous blow to Russia as it would leave the Baltic Sea dominated by Western allies on this crucial trade route to Nothern Europe and strategic route to the open ocean.

Feb 18, 2022

Why Germany Won't Help Ukraine

For decades Germany has been been increasing it's reliance on Russia for its energy needs ignoring warnings of the consequences of being dependent on Russia. Now Germany is caught between NATO and Russia in how it reacts to Russian aggression in Ukraine.

Mar 07, 2022

Russia's War in Ukraine is not Going to Plan

Russia and most of the world expected a quick conquest of Ukraine. Two weeks into the conflict Russia still has a long way to go. Shirvan attributes the slow Russian progress to a Russian battle plan for a low cost campaign in terms of resources and civilian casualties. But that could change.

Mar 30, 2022

The weapons Ukraine uses against Russia

The Russian forces in the Ukraine were designed to engage comparable NATO forces. But Ukraine is fighting a different war using light, low cost weapons to ambush expensive Russian armor and aircraft.

Apr 16, 2022

Meet the Russian Siloviki - Putin's inner circle

Vladamir Putin has assembled a powerful inner circle known as the Siloviki who are all beholden to him as dissenters were purged long ago. They are dedicated to making Russia the premier global superpower following the Heartland Theory.

Jul 30, 2022

How Biden Plans to Checkmate China

To challenge China's growing international influence the Biden administration is rebuilding two major international cooperation agreements crushed by Donald Trump. One is a coalition or South Asia-Pacific nations. The other is a G7 initiative similar to China's Belt and Road initiative.

Nov 06, 2022

Iran headed for its next revolution?

Iran is a religious dictatorship with a declining standard of living in the midst of a a social revolution that the controlling Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps is determined to resist. Thousands have already died in the protests for greater freedom and reform.

Jan 30, 2023

Can Ukraine Take Back Crimea?

Ukraine seems to have set its sites on regaining Crimea. Loss of Crimea would be a major loss to Russia and Putin in particular so it will be a tough fight that the local population may not support.

Feb 14, 2023

How India Plans to Checkmate China

India is implementing what it calls the Necklace of Diamonds, a collection of international relationships that surround China, just has China created the String of Pearls that surrounds India.

Feb 27, 2023

America Predicts War with China in 2025

To safeguard its trade lines China needs to secure the choke points through the island chains surrounding its coastline. It has begun with efforts to control the South China Sea.

Mar 11, 2023

Pakistan is dying (and that is a global problem)

Pakistan is in the midst of a debt crisis, owing annual repayments that strain its ability to pay them. The impact on the country's standard of living is emboldening extremists which could lead to the country's fragmentation with its nuclear arsenal in uncertain hands.

Apr 29, 2023

Russia plans to annex Belarus by 2030

Belarus is a key buffer state in central Europe that has long fallen under Russian influence. Alexander Lukashenko and the East-West polarization of Europe has pushed Belarus closer to Russia to the point where Russia has made plans to annex Belarus.

Jul 30, 2023

Taiwan has a secret doomsday plan for China

In a plan reminiscent of the Soviet-American strategy of Mutual Assured Destruction in the Cold War, Taiwan is preparing the capability to destroy the Three Gorges Dam.

Nov 16, 2023

How America is pushing China out of the internet

While satellites tend to make the headlines the work horses of the world's information transmission infrastructure are undersea cables making them crucial assets in geopolitics.

Apr 01, 2024

How the world is preparing for Trump's return

Based on their actions in their first terms as president the foreign policy of Trump or Biden will likely vary in style rather than content in a second term, though Trump would likely disengage somewhat politically while playing a bigger role in international trade.

This week's popular movies

This week's popular TV shows

The Clinton Affair

Generally favorable

Putin vs the West

7.8

Generally favorable

JFK: Destiny Betrayed

7.8

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First Ladies

7.4

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Once Upon a Time in Northern Ireland

8.8

Generally favorable

Russia 1985-1999: TraumaZone

8.5

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The Family

6.4

Generally favorable

Indivisible: Healing Hate

4.9

Mixed or average

Agents of Chaos

7.3

Generally favorable

The Power of Nightmares

8.7

Generally favorable

Edit Focus

Bowling for Columbine

Filmmaker Michael Moore explores the roots of America's predilection for gun violence.

Our Nixon

Never before seen Super 8 home movies filmed by Richard Nixon's closest aides - and convicted Watergate conspirators - offer a surprising and intimate new look into his Presidency.

The Unknown Known

Former United States Secretary of Defense, Donald Rumsfeld, discusses his career in Washington D.C. from his days as a congressman in the early 1960s to planning the invasion of Iraq in 2003.

Navalny

Follows the man who survived an assassination attempt by poisoning with a lethal nerve agent in August 2020. During his months-long recovery he makes shocking discoveries about the attempt on his life and decides to return home.

Fahrenheit 11/9

Filmmaker Michael Moore examines the current state of American politics, particularly the Donald Trump presidency and gun violence, while highlighting the power of grassroots democratic movements.

This Place Rules

Follows events and characters surrounding the January 6th, 2021 insurrection of the U.S. Capital Building in the days preceding the attack.

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Fahrenheit 11/9

RBG

This Place Rules

The War on Truth