Russia in the South Caucasus: Armenia, Artsakh, and the Developing New World Order

Abstract

The article analyzes Russia's role and interests in the South Caucasus. It discusses Armenian-Russian relations in the framework of Armenia’s so-called multi-vector foreign policy and presents the main aspects of cooperation. This is followed by a discussion of the Second Artsakh War, its transformative impact on the strategic security environment in the South Caucasus, and Russia's new role in the region. The article concludes by presenting some of Russia's approaches to Armenia and Armenia-Azerbaijan relations and suggesting ways of bringing a durable peace to the region.