Chechnya is an area of southwestern Russia between the Caspian and Black Seas. It also finds itself in a battle between western oil companies and the regional power, Russia. A major oil pipeline runs from the Caspian Sea to the Ukraine, supplying Western Europe and securing petrodollars for Russia. While allegations have been made against the Russian military for human rights violations, many believe western governments and oil companies wish to destabilize the region, taking advantage of a weaker Chechnyan government to circumvent dealing with oil pipelines in Iran.

The conflict has ravaged the area. The people of Chechnya have endured human rights violations, kidnapping, and witnessed the emergence of a weapons black market, and rampant corruption —- oil racketeers, and embezzlement of funds designated to aid the area’s reconstruction.