Publication

This issue of the CAD features two articles on Iran's and Turkey's growing power in the South Caucasus. The first article argues that Iranian policy in the region has two basic objectives -- to blunt potential threats from local and outside powers, and to expand Tehran's influence whenever possible. In practical terms, that means balancing against Turkey, backing Armenia in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, thwarting Azeri irredentist claims in Iran itself, and maintaining a 'special relationship' with Azerbaijan. The second article then focuses on the deliberate regionalization of Turkish foreign policy, which is designed to strengthen its role as an economic powerhouse in the area. In order to succeed, however, Turkish policies first need to be more consistent.