The landlocked location of several post-Soviet states has significantly
constrained their foreign policy options, helping shape their foreign policy orientations.
This article asks how lack of sea access has influenced foreign policy patterns
of these states. Three case studies, Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan, and Kazakhstan,
are detailed. Based on field research, including interviews with policy makers, the
case studies are used to look at maneuverability in foreign policy as well as how geographic
proximity to the sea seems to be an important dividing line, distinguishing
the foreign policy orientations of the new states, especially in terms of integration
and cooperation with Europe and the United States, and relationships with Russia.