| Nations compete for power and control of resources. Often, these rivalries lead to conflict. In the nineteenth century, Central Asia was the battleground for world domination between superpowers; for decades, Britain and Russia engaged in indirect and furtive measures aimed at possession of India.; Central Asia has the world's largest uninterrupted landmass, with abundant natural resources and strategic geographical anomalies---all attractive qualities for potential occupying nations. Today, the U.S. is preponderant, but other potent forces, like Russia, China, Iran and Turkey are vying for control of the region. India is no longer the prize, but regional and global authority is still sought. Within competing governments, so-called hawks advocate a more aggressive, militaristic approach while doves prefer diplomacy instead of war. A disquisition into the nineteenth century "Great Game" presents valuable lessons for today. |
