Which body of water was heavily contested for oil resources in the 1990s?

The Caspian Sea was heavily contested for oil resources in the 1990s due to its significant reserves of hydrocarbons. Following the dissolution of the Soviet Union, several countries surrounding the Caspian Sea, including Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, Russia, and Turkmenistan, began to vie for control over these valuable resources. The geopolitical landscape transformed as these nations sought to attract foreign investment and establish pipelines for oil and gas exportation, leading to regional tensions and competition. The strategic importance of the Caspian Sea in terms of energy security and economic opportunity drove international interest and investment, making it a focal point of conflict and negotiation during that decade. This context underscores the significance of the Caspian Sea as a contested area for oil resources in the 1990s.