Latest Articles about South Caucasus

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