<br/>Contents<br/>Hinterkaspien<br/>Introduction and executive summary<br/>The Caspian region<br/>Overview<br/>Recent transitions<br/>Striving for energy security<br/>An area of geopolitical importance<br/>Changing livelihoods in the eastern Caspian region<br/>Natural capital, energy resources, and wealth distribution<br/>New opportunities or a gloomy outlook?<br/>Environmental degradation and security<br/>Environmental consequences of oil and gas development<br/>Legacy of the military-industrial complex<br/>Freshwater<br/>Marine resources and biodiversity<br/>Fluctuating sea level and natural hazards<br/>Conclusions<br/>Conclusions and recommendations<br/>Possible actions under the Environment and Security Initiative<br/>Annex<br/>Bibliography and references<br/>Endnotes<br/>