Analysis of Russian-Armenian Relations and its Influence on the Political - Security Future of the Caucasus after September 11 Attacks

Abstract

The Caucasus, from the distant past, whether as part of a land or as the sphere of influence has always attracted Russia’s attention. Regarding that it cannot remove all its rivals from the Political arena of Central Asia particularly the Caucasus in these new conditions, Moscow’s policy and influencing has been directed towards the path in through which has established strong relations with countries such as Armenia in the Caucasus region. Also, regarding this issue, this country is trying to use its own superior economic, political and military position in the region in order to control the conducts and foreign policies of Caucasian republics in line with fading the existence of factors which are incompatible with Russian interest and national security, hereby it can delay or prevent the convergence of countries of the region having western political and security structures. Armenia, because of strategic objectives like removing economic siege, being out of geopolitical isolation, responding to the local crisis and achieving regional security, tend to improve the relation with Russia. Such changes could alter the balance of power in the region. The changes of geopolitical components in the Caucasus include changes in regional alliances and the emergence of new regional order, evolution of mechanisms and security arrangements, influence on Karabakh conflict and particularly the economy of energy, and energy security as well as economic cooperation in the region.