The Caucasus Region

The Caucasus region is a geopolitically significant and ethnically diverse area located between the Black Sea and the Caspian Sea, at the crossroads of Eastern Europe and Western Asia.

1. Geography:

• Divided into:

  • Greater Caucasus (north) – mountain range that traditionally separates Europe and Asia.

  • Lesser Caucasus (south) – lower mountains extending into northeastern Turkey and Armenia.

• Comprises:

  • Three independent countries:

    • Armenia

    • Azerbaijan

    • Georgia

  • Southern Russia: Particularly republics like Chechnya, Dagestan, Ingushetia, and North Ossetia.

2. Geopolitical Importance:

• Strategic Location:

  • Situated at the juncture of Russia, Turkey, and Iran.

  • Acts as a transit corridor for energy (oil and gas) pipelines connecting Central Asia and Europe.

• Buffer Zone:

  • Acts as a buffer between Russian influence and NATO/Western interests.

• Energy Hub:

  • Contains important oil and natural gas reserves.

  • Home to critical infrastructure like Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan pipeline (Azerbaijan–Georgia–Turkey).

3. Political Dynamics:

• Russia's Role:

  • Views the Caucasus as part of its "near abroad" — crucial to maintaining influence over former Soviet states.

  • Stationed military forces and peacekeepers in parts of the region.

• Western Engagement:

  • The U.S. and EU support democratic movements, NATO partnerships (especially with Georgia), and regional stability.

• Turkey and Iran:

  • Turkey supports Azerbaijan; Iran maintains ties with Armenia and Azerbaijan.

4. Conflicts and Instability:

• Nagorno-Karabakh Conflict:

• A long-standing dispute between Armenia and Azerbaijan over the Nagorno-Karabakh region.

• Recent war in 2020, with Azerbaijan regaining significant territory; Russia brokered a ceasefire.

                    

• South Ossetia and Abkhazia:

• Breakaway regions of Georgia, recognized by Russia as independent after the 2008 war, but not by most of the world.

                    

• Ethnic Conflicts:

• High ethnic diversity in southern Russia (Chechnya, Dagestan) has led to insurgencies and separatism.

                                

5. Ethnic and Cultural Diversity:

• Home to over 50 ethnic groups.

• Major religions: Christianity (Orthodox, Armenian Apostolic) and Islam (Sunni and Shia).

• Rich cultural traditions, languages, and historical legacies.

6. Recent Developments (2024–25):

• Azerbaijan–Russia standoff:

  • Triggered by a disputed jet crash and police raids on ethnic Azerbaijanis in Russia.

  • Worsened relations and growing assertiveness from Baku, with Azerbaijan warming to Ukraine and the West.

• Reflects Russia’s weakening grip on post-Soviet space amid its war in Ukraine.