The Eurasian Convergence Zone: gateway or shatterbelt?

A prominent American geographer discusses geopolitical implications of U.S. penetration into a vast Eurasian Convergence Zone, within which the influence of major world geopolitical powers (Maritime Europe, Russia, China, India, and Japan) converge. Following a discussion of the nature of U.S. activity in major subsections of the Zone (Eastern Europe, Transcaucasus, Central Asia, and East Asia), the author examines economic, demographic, and military strategic stakes of the major geopolitical powers in the region. Concluding sections assess the complex relationships (both cooperative and competitive) among the U.S. and abutting powers in the Zone and outline ways that U.S. foreign policy objectives might be supported. Journal of Economic Literature, Classification Numbers: O10, O18, R10. 3 figures, 46 references. Key words: geopolitics, Eurasia, foreign policy, world system, gateway, shatterbelt.