Tag "Caucasus"

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Europe Security

Armenia and Azerbaijan: Conflict in Nagorno Karabakh continues to erode regional security

A flare-up between Armenia and Azerbaijan over the disputed Nagorno-Karabakh region raised concerns over the security and stability of the Caucasus for more than a month. A Russian-brokered deal between the two is highly likely to ensure the region’s security, although long-term peace is an unlikely outcome.

Security

Ramzan Kadyrov’s unchecked power in the Caucasus

Ramzan Kadyrov, leader of the Chechen Republic, has sparked controversy with his recent acts of aggression in neighbouring Republic of Ingushetia. Despite years of human rights abuses in Chechnya, Putin has remained virtually silent, effectively condoning these actions and bolstering Kadyrov’s regime.

Middle East/North Africa Natural resources and energy

Iran’s waning involvement in the South Caucasus

With the JCPOA finalized in 2015, Iran seemed to finally build on its potential to become a shaping actor in the South Caucasus. Yet the scrapping of the JCPOA in April 2018 threatens to disillusion those who were optimistic about new trading and investment opportunities. Under growing pressure, the region seems to be neglected again by Tehran.

Europe Power Brokers

Georgia’s foreign minister Mikheil Janelidze: A diplomat with vision

Foreign Minister Janelidze has shown the diplomatic vision necessary for a country torn between promising ties with the West and an easily agitated Russia.

Security South and Central Asia

Shifts in global terror pose threats to Caspian energy investment

With the emergence of new global terror trends, the potential for terror-based disruptions to the oil industry in Central Asia and the Caucuses is causing concern.

Europe Security

NATO steps up pressure along Russia borders

NATO recent exercises in Moldova and Georgia are part of a wider strategy aimed at increasing military pressure on Moscow in Eastern Europe and the Caucasus.

Europe Natural resources and energy

Azerbaijan tensions threaten Europe’s energy plans

Azerbaijan recently garnered media attention as host of the first ever European Games, as well as for the government’s crackdown on journalists and protesters. A security risk not often discussed

Middle East/North Africa Security

Can the US and Russia find agreement on Syria after the nuclear deal?

Discussions between high level US and Russian diplomatic officials over Syria may be signaling the conflict is entering its end phase. With the Iranian nuclear agreement finalized, bilateral cooperation on

Middle East/North Africa Politics

Russia is further isolated by supporting Syria’s regime

Russia is still holding up the Assad regime economically, politically, and militarily. However, the rapidly unfolding situation in Syria’s civil war may put Putin’s strongest Middle East alliance in jeopardy.

Economics Europe

Can vodka markets expose Russian influence?

The vodka market may be an indicator of economic trends in Russia and the former Soviet bloc countries. With Russia’s ongoing provocations in the country of Ukraine, questions have arisen as to