No. 109: Russia’s Relations with the South Caucasus

Author(s): Alexander Iskandaryan, Murad Ismayilov, Michael Cecire
Series Editor(s): Stephen Aris (Special Editor), Robert Orttung (Special Editor), Lusine Badalyan, Bruno De Cordier, Farid Guliyev, Diana Lezhava, Lili Di Puppo, Jeronim Perović, Heiko Pleines, Abel Polese, Licínia Simão, Koba Turmanidze
Series: Caucasus Analytical Digest (CAD)
Publisher(s): Center for Security Studies (CSS), ETH Zürich; Research Centre for East European Studies (FSO), University of Bremen; Caucasus Research Resource Center (CRRC-Georgia); Center for Eastern European Studies (CEES), University of Zurich; German Association for East European Studies (DGO)
Publication Year: 2019

This edition considers the current state of the relationships between Russia and the three countries of the South Caucasus. Firstly, Alexander Iskandaryan examines the impact of the Velvet Revolution on Armenia’s relationships with Russia and the West. Secondly, Murad Ismayilov argues that both macro- and micro-level developments are leading the Azerbaijani elite to shift their focus away from the West and more towards an emerging strategic accord with Moscow. Thirdly, Michael Cecire assesses Georgia’s efforts to externally balance Russia, noting that while these efforts have failed to win security guarantees or attenuate Russian power, they have contributed to conditions that allow Georgia to enjoy unexpectedly high levels of autonomy.

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