A Global Trend EU‐style: Democracy Promotion in ‘Fragile’ and Conflict‐Affected South Caucasus

Abstract

AbstractThis article examines the EU's democracy promotion in ‘fragile’ and conflict‐affected states. The article discusses the EU's perception of state fragility, contrasts it to the evolving understanding of the concept in the literature, and discusses its actions in the conflict‐affected states of the South Caucasus: Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia. The analysis demonstrates that while the EU has adjusted its democracy promotion policies following critical international junctures, it has not specifically addressed the perceived fragility or conflicts of states where it promotes democracy. While the EU's democracy promotion profile in the South Caucasus countries has become more visible, its involvement in the resolution of regional conflicts has remained marginal. Yet, by not following the trend of accentuating fragility, the EU may have proven itself as a more nuanced democracy promoter, attempting to take into consideration local perceptions and realities.