IJASOS- International E-journal of Advances in Social Sciences

Abstract

The article ‘South Caucasus
as a Region of Strategic Importance’ provides a detailed analysis of the
geopolitical characteristics of South Caucasus as a region with unique position
on the world map. It justifies the topicality of the subject and the strong
interest in the region populated by diverse ethnicities and religious
denominations, exposed to a high concentration of frozen and active conflicts,
many border problems, internationally unrecognised and partially recognised
states.

Revealed are the
geographic, ethnic, geo-economic and political characteristics of the region. A
focus is placed on the instability in the region and on the existing frozen
conflicts on the territory of Azerbaijan and Georgia. Reviewed is the diverging
foreign policy orientation of the individual states. The article underscores
the geopolitical symbol of South Caucasus as a clashing and conflicting centre of the interests of
the big players: Russia, the US, the European Union, Turkey and Iran. Their
influence is juxtaposed and the key role of Russia and the USA is highlighted.
A special attention is paid to the relationships of the US and NATO with the
three South Caucasus republics. The issue of energy security and transportation
of energy resources through South Caucasus is seen as central to the conflict of
interests of the big geopolitical players. Justified is the understanding that
the security environment in South Caucasus is strongly affected by and has
lastingly deteriorated as a result of the Ukrainian crisis, the annexation of Crimea
and the conflict in Donbas. Another
factor behind the complex relationships among the South Caucasus states is
their multi-vector foreign policy orientation and mutually exclusive interests.
Georgia
appears to be a clear enemy of Russia and makes efforts, by all means, to come
closer to the time when it will accomplish its national goals for membership in
NATO and the European Union. Armenia
in turn is a strategic ally of Russia and a diligent member of the Collective
Security Treaty Organisation, dominated
by Moscow. Azerbaijan pursues a balanced foreign policy, striving to maintain
equally good relations with Russia and with the US and neighbouring Turkey.

In summary it is difficult
to find clear positive signs of stability in South Caucasus in the current
situation. Russia will continue its efforts to assert its political influence, where this is possible.
Against the ongoing situation with the conflicts in the Middle East, in the
Black Sea region, in Afghanistan and the complex set-up in the relationships
between the US and Iran, the US and NATO policies are expected to intensify
further. A conclusion is drawn that the existing status-quo in the
relationships of the global geopolitical players would probably develop
negatively in the foreseeable future and confrontation will continue for a
long period of time.