Theoretical Analysis of the Place and Role of the South Caucasus in the Interests of the United States of America

Abstract

The purpose of the study is to analyze the place and role of the South Caucasus in ensuring the interests of the United States using various theories of geopolitics and international relations. The article provides the theoretical foundations of the place and role of the South Caucasus in the interests of the United States, both in the presence and in the absence of a geopolitical struggle between the major powers of the world in different regions. After the Cold War, democracy and the market economy began to expand into the eastern geopolitical space. The strengthening of these values ​​in the South Caucasus may contribute to their spread to other post-Soviet regions, as well as to the Middle East, since the South Caucasus is located at the crossroads between Europe and Asia. Approaching the topic in terms of geopolitical competition, as well as the fact that the region shares borders with countries such as Russia, Turkey, and Iran, and is in the interests of an emerging power like China, increases its importance.
 Methods. In the study of the topic, general scientific research methods, analysis of documents and works of famous researchers, and comparative analysis were used.
 When it comes to the scientific novelty of the article, it can be said that classical and modern international relations and geopolitical theories were used and comparisons were made between the theories for a comprehensive analysis. Utilizing various theories, the article reveals the necessity of the South Caucasus in the interests of the United States both in terms of alternative energy and transport potential between Europe and Asia and one of the main centers of the struggle for primacy in Eurasia.
 Conclusions. After the ideological confrontation ended in 1991 with the collapse of the USSR, a number of states of Eastern Europe, the South Caucasus and Central Asia restored their independences. Due to its geographical position and rich natural resources, the South Caucasus is one of the strategically important regions of the world and has historically played a crucial role in the foreign policy of great powers. In the new international relations system, determining the place and role of the South Caucasus in the interests of the great powers, especially in the context of the U.S. interests, indicates the relevance of the topic.