The historical record seen through Offensive Realism presents evidence illustrating that the
United States' approach toward the Caspian Sea region between 1991 and 2001 was governed by
idealistic principles rather than balance of power considerations. That was led by the false
notion that democratic Russia would act in accordance with US goals. The United States denied
the competitive nature of international politics refusing to criticise abuses by Moscow in the
region and failing to intervene when US interests were marginalised. The US failed to prevent
Russia from refashioning conditions conducive to the re-absorption of the Caucasus and Central
Asia as a sphere of influence nor did it account for China's expanded role and trajectory as a
challenge to US power. This analysis shows for example that Russia's proximity and
willingness to use force exceeded the capabilities of the US' use of its global predominance to
shape regional events.
