... and geopolitical interests intersect with those of Iran, leading to complex calculations in Iran’s policies towards it. Iran seeks to maintain its influence in the face of growing Turkish influence in Azerbaijan and increasing Western support for Armenia. Russia also plays a major role in maintaining the regional balance of power, forcing Iran to coordinate with Moscow on many issues
Tehran is currently facing significant challenges in shaping its foreign policy towards its close neighbor, the South Caucasus....
... “containment,” now also
in the Caucasus
.
Third, the formats of alliance and partnership that had existed unchanged for decades are currently modified before our eyes. The post-Karabakh status quo has been “synced up” with a large-scale
crisis
in Russian-Armenian relations, whereas confrontation mounts between Russia and the West just as the Tbilisi-Kiev strategic nexus tends to
weaken
. Besides, we see a certain re-prioritization of Russia’s approaches in the region, which is expressed in the buildup ...
When assessing the current state in Russian-Armenian relations, we must consider the different visions of Yerevan and Moscow
The specifics of Armenian national policy
The fundamental basis of Armenia’s foreign policy, both under the leadership of Kocharyan-Sargsyan and in the Pashinyan era,...
... between the parties, as New Delhi is now preparing to become an observer country of the EAEU in 2024. In this context, Armenia is perceived as a natural extension of the economic union capable of linking the EAEU and India.
Third, India's arms supply to Armenia, Russia's only CSTO and EAEU ally in the region, strengthens Yerevan's military capabilities. This, in turn, helps level out the balance of power in the South Caucasus, reducing the risk of a new escalation, which is in line with Moscow's interests. Given ...
... now a peaceful region, once again.
Sergey Markedonov:
Armenian-Azerbaijani Conflict: Last Chapter or More to Come?
Peace in South Caucasus is what Russia sought for three decades, but it was restored at a price—a temporary ratcheting up of anti-Russian tendencies in Armenia. Yet, it is beyond any doubt a geopolitical and geo-economic gain or dividend in Russia’s foreign policy balance. Now that the task has been accomplished, it is time we summarized the outcomes of the conflict and determined what adjustments ...
... constantly oscillating between three options: direct control from the center, self-determination of the autonomy and the integrity of the AzSSR. As a result, the intra-state conflict turned into an interstate confrontation involving various external actors (Russia, Iran, Turkey, the U.S. and the European Union).
However, the Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict had its own logic and dynamics. And it would be wrong to consider it only as one of the factors (albeit an important one) of the Soviet collapse. The appeal as of February 20, 1988 did not arise out of nothing. It was based ...
... the relations between the two countries, highlighted the key contradictions, gave an objective assessment of the current state of relations, and suggested their own ways to overcome the challenges in relations between Moscow and Yerevan.
Key Points
Russian-Armenian relations continue to develop and strengthen. At the highest levels of power in both Russia and Armenia, the desire to maintain a strategic partnership and develop it is emphasized.
At the same time, there are certain challenges in mutual perception ...
... (Armenia), visited RIAC
On April 16, 2023, a delegation of Armenian Project, scientific-educational non-governmental organization (Armenia), visited RIAC. The meeting participants exchanged information on current and future projects aimed at developing Russian-Armenian relations. During the discussion, possible vectors and formats of cooperation between the two organizations were determined.
Elena Karpinskaya, RIAC Director of Programs, represented RIAC at the meeting.
... The stark reality is that with no Russian presence in the Caucasus, only Ankara will fill the regional void; not Washington or Brussels.
Toward a New Road of Life
Pietro Shakarian, Benyamin Poghosyan: From St. Petersburg to Syunik:
Reinvigorating the Russian–Armenian Security Alliance
t has been more than a month since the blockade on the Karabakh Armenian civilians commenced. The people of the mountainous republic remain firm in their resolve, celebrating the New Year and Christmas holidays despite facing ...
... Academic Director of the Center for Comprehensive European and International Studies, National Research University – Higher School of Economics, Program Director of the Valdai International Discussion Club and RIAC Member.
Closed-door discussion allowed Russian and Armenian experts to frankly exchange views on challenges and prospects for trade and economic cooperation both among the EAEU member states and with partners in Eurasia. Sergey Chernyshev, Assistant to the Eurasian Economic Commission Trade Minister, ...