
Latest Articles about South Caucasus

Georgian Dream and the People’s Republic of China Pursue Strategic Relationship
Executive Summary: Georgian Dream has shifted from an initially anti-People’s Republic of China (PRC) stance to embracing the PRC’s development model, formalizing ties through a strategic partnership signed in 2023. Bilateral trade and PRC investment have surged in Georgia, including a free trade agreement, infrastructure... MORE

Moscow’s Ties with Post-Soviet States Possibly Transforming in Fallout of Azeri Airlines Flight Downing
Executive Summary: When an Azerbaijani airliner was shot down over Russian territory last December, chilled relations between Baku and Moscow caused some analysts to expect a collapse in ties and attempts by Moscow to regain its former influence. Neither outcome is likely. Azerbaijani-Russian relations are... MORE

Azerbaijan, Israel, and United States Seek Trilateral Cooperation Format
Executive Summary: Israel announced on March 6 that it is in discussions with the United States to establish trilateral cooperation with Azerbaijan, deepening long-standing ties between Israel and Azerbaijan in security, energy, and diplomacy. This trilateral initiative positions Azerbaijan as a bridge between the Middle... MORE

Russia’s Plans for Abkhazia are Expanding
Executive Summary: The new Abkhaz de facto leadership is staunchly pro-Russia, and Moscow hopes that a new leader will eventually pass through the long-expected legislation on foreign investments in Abkhazia. Russia has expanded support for Abkhazia, using aid, infrastructure projects, and political backing despite economic... MORE

Azerbaijan-Armenia Peace Deal Faces Hurdles
Executive Summary: Armenia and Azerbaijan have finalized the text of a long-awaited “Agreement on Peace and Establishment of Interstate Relations.” The announcement came unexpectedly from Baku and was confirmed soon after by Yerevan. Yerevan seeks to sign the agreement quickly, while Baku says that Armenia... MORE

Russia and Iran Manage Diverging Interests in South Caucasus
Executive Summary: Russian President Vladimir Putin and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian signed the wide-ranging Treaty on Comprehensive Strategic Partnership on January 17 to boost bilateral relations for further progress in areas including opposition to NATO expansion, the North-South Corridor, and the 3+3 format. Moscow and... MORE

Russia Pressures Georgia to Join Regional 3+3 Format
Executive summary: Georgia is under increasing pressure from Russia to join the 3+3 format on regional cooperation for peace and stability in the South Caucasus, which includes Russia, Iran, and Türkiye along with Armenia, Azerbaijan, and, intentionally, Georgia. The Kremlin views Georgia’s participation as crucial... MORE

Russian Intelligence Strategizes to Keep Georgian Dream in Power
Executive Summary: The Russian Foreign Intelligence (SVR) has been accusing the European Union of conducting influence campaigns in Georgia through funding anti-government protests. EU officials denied these claims, calling them a disinformation campaign aimed at undermining EU-Georgia relations. The ruling Georgian Dream party has escalated... MORE

Georgia Remains Target of Attempted Russian Influence
Executive Summary: Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze acknowledged challenges in Georgia-EU relations in early February, citing bureaucratic obstacles, while reaffirming Georgia’s pro-European stance despite concerns that the current ruling party is leading the country toward Russia and undermining democratic principles. Political turbulence in Georgia following... MORE

New Armenia-U.S. Partnership On Pause
Executive Summary: The Charter of Strategic Partnership between Armenia and the United States, signed in January 2024 under the then-outgoing administration, aligns with Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s strategy to reduce Armenia’s dependence on Russia, despite Moscow’s concerns and diplomatic engagements following the signing. The charter... MORE