Region

South Caucasus

The South Caucasus – a region encompassing Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia - is one of strategic importance, not only for adjacent countries, such as Turkiye, Russia, Iran and the Central Asian states, but also for neighbours such as the European Union and the GCC states, and globally for the United States, India, China, Pakistan and Japan.

commonspace.eu team brings decades of experience of working in the South Caucasus and we are pleased to share our insights with our loyal readers through the website, and the sister newsletter, Caucasus Concise.

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News
Azerbaijan and China Forge Defence Ties
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Azerbaijan and China Forge Defence Ties

19 September 2025
At the 12th Beijing Xiangshan Forum, which was held from Wednesday to Friday (17 - 19  September), Azerbaijan’s Defence Minister, Colonel-General Zakir Hasanov, led Baku’s delegation and held high-level discussions with his Chinese counterpart on advancing joint military capabilities.
commonspace.eu
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Opinion
The 3+3 Initiative in Retrospect: A Framework Out of Step with Current Realities
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The 3+3 Initiative in Retrospect: A Framework Out of Step with Current Realities

18 September 2025
On September 8, 2025, during his address at the Moscow State Institute of International Relations (MGIMO), Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov discussed the potential revival of the “3+3” format in the South Caucasus while commenting on Russia’s relations with regional countries. He noted that the initiative was initially proposed by Turkey and Azerbaijan and highlighted that it is also supported by Iran, signaling broader regional backing. Lavrov further referenced the trilateral agreement between Azerbaijan, Armenia, and Russia on restoring transport links and welcomed the ongoing process of normalization between Armenia and Turkey.
Beyrak Hajiyev

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Editor's choice
News
More signs of a thaw in Armenian-Turkish relations
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More signs of a thaw in Armenian-Turkish relations

8 September 2021
At a government meeting in Yerevan on Wednesday, 8 September, Armenian  Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan touched upon the issue of normalising relations with Turkey. He referred to comments made recently by Turkish president Recip Tayip Erdogan and said that his government was ready for discussions with the Turkish side.
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Opinion
Opinion: Armenia and Turkey again try to normalise relations, and this time it may work
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Opinion: Armenia and Turkey again try to normalise relations, and this time it may work

6 September 2021
"It is likely that Armenia and Turkey are close to making an official announcement about the launch of a new normalisation process. It may result in establishing diplomatic relations, and in Turkey deciding to open its border with Armenia", says Benyamin Poghosyan in this op-ed.
Benyamin Poghosyan
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Opinion
Opinion: An alternative view of Georgia’s European identity and past history
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Opinion: An alternative view of Georgia’s European identity and past history

3 September 2021
Georgia intends to submit an application for membership of the European Union in 2024. Whilst most Georgians assert the country’s European identity, alternative views are emerging. In this op-ed, GIPA doctoral student Archil Sikharulidze challenges the concept of Georgian “Europeaness”, and those who promote it.
Archil Sikharulidze
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News
Friends in need: praise for Georgia and Azerbaijan for their role in the evacuation of Kabul
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Friends in need: praise for Georgia and Azerbaijan for their role in the evacuation of Kabul

28 August 2021
Both Georgia and Azerbaijan have been providing essential transit support for the evacuation from Kabul airport. 120 Azerbaijani soldiers returned back from Afghanistan on Friday (27 August) having been part of the defence of Kabul airport until the end. A larger Georgian contingent returned from the north of the country recently.
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Opinion
Opinion: Under President Raisi, Iran remains very interested in the South Caucasus, and in remaining a player in the region
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Opinion: Under President Raisi, Iran remains very interested in the South Caucasus, and in remaining a player in the region

10 August 2021
The presence in Tehran of the Armenian prime minister, Nikol Pashinyan, for the inauguration of incoming-president Ebrahim Raisi underscored the significance of relations with Iran for Armenia in the post-2020 Karabakh war context, writes Benyamin Poghosyan in this op-ed where he also discusses Iran's deep interest in the South Caucasus region.
Benyamin Poghosyan
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Opinion
Opinion: Azerbaijan expects the EU to be more balanced in its policies toward the South Caucasus
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Opinion: Azerbaijan expects the EU to be more balanced in its policies toward the South Caucasus

5 August 2021
Whilst the EU is seen as a valuable partner for Azerbaijan and the South Caucasus, Baku has several concerns over perceived inconsistencies. In this op-ed for commonspace.eu, Vasif Huseynov says Azerbaijan welcomes Brussels playing a more active role in the region but argues that it must maintain balance in its relations with each of the countries.
Vasif Huseynov
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News
It's that Vladimir again
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It's that Vladimir again

1 August 2021
Azerbaijan has issued a diplomatic demarche to Russia following an outburst of criticism by Russian maverick politician, Vladimir Zhirinovski. The Russian Charge' d'affairs in Baku was summoned to the foreign ministry on Sunday morning and handed a protest note following comments made on air by Zhirinovski during an interview on July 30 on Komsomolskaya Pravda radio station.
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Commentary
Commentary: The EU reinforces its position in the South Caucasus before the upcoming EaP Summit
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Commentary: The EU reinforces its position in the South Caucasus before the upcoming EaP Summit

29 July 2021
In preparation for its Eastern Partnership Summit (EaP) in December, and after drastic regional shifts, the EU is trying hard to improve its position in the South Caucasus. In this commentary for commonspace.eu, Mahammad Mammadov unpacks the EU's strategy in Georgia, Azerbaijan and Armenia, looking at what can be gleaned from its recent high-profile visits to the region and billions in newly declared financial assistance.
Mahammad Mammadov
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Georgian opposition outraged as ruling party tears up EU brokered deal
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Georgian opposition outraged as ruling party tears up EU brokered deal

28 July 2021
It always looked wobbly, and with little chance that it would succeed in resolving Georgia's deep political crisis. But on Wednesday (28 July), the ruling Georgian Dream (GD) party finally sunk the so called "Michel Agreement" signed with much fanfare on 19 April. The Georgian opposition is outraged, and things are back to square one, if not worse.
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