Caucasus Research Articles

The Causes, Dynamics, and Consequences of the War in Ukraine in the Perceptions of Armenian Youth

This study was conducted between October 2022 and January 2023, aiming to elucidate and highlight changes in the political perceptions, concerns, assessments, and aspirations of Armenia’s youth. The main objectives of the study were to discover the concerns of Armenia’s youth regarding the expansion of the war in Ukraine, to find out the potential effects of the Russian‑Ukrainian conflict and the war in Ukraine on the region of South Caucasus, and on Armenia’s security, and to assess the changes that the war has brought about in the lives of Armenia’s youth and society. Armenia’s youth holds two distinct perspectives on the Russian‑Ukrainian conflict. The first group perceives the conflict primarily as a geographical issue, representing another historical phase of global division and a struggle for dominance among superpowers and alliances. This viewpoint considers certain post‑Soviet countries, including Ukraine and Armenia, and some Arab nations like Syria, to be undergoing a modern geographic transformation. In this context, the 2020 Karabakh War has also been viewed. Russia, the West (NATO, EU, USA), and Turkey compete to exert influence over these countries. From this standpoint, the war in Ukraine is viewed as a battleground, showcasing the broader Russia‑West conflict. Conversely, the second group attributes the Russian‑Ukrainian conflict and war to the personal qualities, aspirations, approaches, and issues of the leaders of Russia and Ukraine.

Об исследовании материальной культуры средневековой Гянджи на примере национальных мужских одежд

In this scientific work, national samples of local clothes of the medieval period of the city of Ganja were studied as examples of intercultural significance. Also, the main characteristic features of these handicrafts were identified as an indicator of the centuries-old multicultural values of the Azerbaijani people. Based on the study of individual historical written sources, material products, the above examples of folk crafts are involved in the study as examples of the multicultural spiritual heritage of both the city of Ganja and the entire Caucasus region.

Landscape evolution in orogenic plateaus: Insights from quantitative morphotectonic analysis of the Turkish–Iranian Plateau and Caucasus regions

AbstractTo investigate the recent landscape evolution of the orogenic Turkish–Iranian Plateau (TIP) and the Lesser/Greater Caucasus ranges, we perform a quantitative analysis of topography and drainage networks at a regional scale. This analysis focuses on climatic–topographic swath profiles, local relief distribution, longitudinal river profiles, normalized channel steepness index (ksn), paleo‐river profile, and chi analysis (χ). In general, we find that the evolution of topographic relief and river networks are locally controlled by Late Cenozoic volcanism, contrasts in rock strength, and neotectonic activity along regional tectonic structures. However, our results show that the influence of these factors on the landscape evolution of the Greater Caucasus is significantly different from the Lesser Caucasus and TIP. This study shows that a combination of enhanced aridity, rapid uplift of orographic barriers along the TIP margins, and exposure of resistant rock types associated with the regional volcanic activity resulted in low‐relief plateau and the Lesser Caucasus surfaces that are preserved in the upper/middle Kura–Arax and Qezel‐Owzan river catchments. High local relief in the flanks of the Greater Caucasus and west Alborz, downstream increase in channel steepness, and perturbations in the χ plots of the three main rivers indicate that the topography is in a transient state.We reconstruct the paleo‐river profiles from the relict section of the upper Kura–Arax and Qezel‐Owzan rivers and show that the last drastic fall of the Caspian base‐level, which occurred during the Late Miocene–Early Pliocene, can explain the incision of ~500–1000 m gorges (i.e., Amardos) below major knickpoints. Furthermore, local cross‐divide differences of the χ parameter reveal that disequilibrium in the plan‐form geometry of the drainage networks, attributed to the upstream migration of the regional knickpoints towards the plateau interior and integration of plateau areas into the external fluvial system.

THE EUROPEAN UNION’S CONFLICT RESOLUTION POLICY IN THE SOUTH CAUCASUS

The South Caucasus region has served as a frontier between Western and Eastern civilizations for millennia. The area is rife with conflict due to international borders drawn after the collapse of the Soviet Union, without regard to historical consolidation and international legal reconciliation. The EU’s approach to conflict resolution is underpinned by its political legitimacy and economic power, which enhance its ability to assert its presence in areas of conflict or crisis. However, while there is a desire among the region’s countries for greater engagement with the EU, there is an asynchrony between the Union’s security policy and the expectations of the South Caucasian states, resulting in an inefficient security situation. It seems that the security cacophony in and around the South Caucasus will continue unless there is a transition from neorealist behavior to positive peace and unless all actors change their foreign policy thinking.

Устойчивый к полеганию, крупносемянный сорт сои Рысь

Resistant to lodging, large-seeded mid-early maturing soybean cultivar Rys’ was obtained as a result of individual selection in F4 from the hybrid combination Slavia × Shama SRP on differentiating back-grounds based on the characteristics of semi-determinant stem growth, large seeds, reduced response to day length, cold and frost resistance. Based on the results of variety testing 2019–2022, the soybean cultivar Rys’ exceeded the standard cultivar Vilana by 0.54 t/ha by yield. The height of plants at the latitude of Krasnodar (45°) is 90–109 cm. In optimal moisture conditions, the weight of 1000 seeds of this cultivar is 165–207 g. The new high-yielding soybean cultivar Rys’ is highly resistant to low air and soil temperatures, and also reacts poorly to nonoptimal day lengths. This allows it to be cultivated in soybean-producing farms in the North Caucasus and Lower Volga regions of the Russian Federation, as well as in the republics of Central Asia and Transcaucasia at latitudes from 40 to 50°.

Очень высокорослый среднеспелый сорт сои Мамонт

A very tall, middle maturing soybean cultivar Mamont, with traits of gigantism, was obtained as a result of individual selection in F4 from the hybrid combination Vilana × Pin GD for the characteristics of tall growth (> 160 cm) of the stem, large seeds, mid-ripening and non-lodging ability. Based on the results of variety testing 2020–2022, the soybean cultivar Mamont exceeded the standard cultivar Vilana by 0.18 t/ha by yield. The height of plants at the latitude of Krasnodar (45°) is 152–174 cm. In optimal cultivation conditions for moisture supply, the weight of 1000 seeds of this cultivar is 165–195 g. The phenomenon of the gigantism in plants of the Mamont cultivar in optimal growing conditions is confirmed to be 48 % more intense daily increase in plant height, and a 71% more intense daily increase in aboveground biomass compared to these indicators for the standard cultivar Vilana. The new very tall middle maturing soybean cultivar Mamont, with traits of gigantism, is distinguished by increased responsiveness to additional moisture by increasing the traits of plant height to ultra-high, increasing the number of nodes, beans and seeds, seed size and weight, and yield. It has increased resistance of tall plants to tilting and lodging due to excessive moisture due to the increased mechanical strength of the stem. Due to its tall growth and high positive response to additional moisture supply, it is suitable for cultivation in the southern foothill and central zones of the Krasnodar region and on irrigated plot throughout the North Caucasus and Lower Volga regions of the Russian Federation.

The Challenging Path of Georgia towards NATO Membership

Georgia is a small nation situated in a region characterised by instability, where the occurrence of conflict escalation has become a frequent occurrence within the realm of regional politics. Ensuring stability in the South Caucasus region is a paramount concern for Georgia in terms of its security agenda. This commitment is clearly articulated in Georgia's National Security Concept (NSC), which was officially approved in 2011. Additionally, Georgia's Foreign Policy Strategy for the period 2019-2022 also underscores the importance of maintaining peace in the South Caucasus region. The level of public support for the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) affiliation in Georgia has been considerable, mirroring the widespread agreement among major political parties over the objective of attaining NATO membership. In 2018, a revision was made to the Georgian Constitution, including a paragraph that specifies the need for all governmental institutions to actively strive towards the objective of Georgia's prospective participation in NATO.[1] The admission to NATO has been widely regarded as the most reliable means to achieve a state of stability and prosperity, enabling the nation to fully capitalise on its capabilities and opportunities. This article is characterised by its descriptive approach and aims to examine the dynamics of the evolution of NATO-Georgia ties throughout the history.

Model of winter soft wheat variety for steppe condition zone

Due to the increased aridization of the environment in the main agricultural zones of the Don, the parameters of the model of winter soft wheat varieties of intensive and semi-intensive types have been clarified. At the present stage, the potential productivity of intensive wheat at a high agrofone is 9,0-10,5 t/ha of grain, which is due to the productive stem of 660-800 ears/m2. In semi-intensive varieties on the average agrophone, the values of these indicators are respectively 7,0-7,5 t/ha and 580-620 ears/m2. The productivity of the ear, respectively, should be 1,2-1,5 g and 1,1-1,2 g and with a grain share in the cenosis of 40-45% and 36-38%, respectively. With different stress factors, the peculiarities of the formation of agroecotypes of new varieties were revealed. The selection criterion for drought-resistant productive forms was the selection of genotypes with a high yield index. However, the main trend related to productivity and adaptability in drought conditions is the creation of new genotypes with increased grain weight from the plant and from the ear. This is the most objective integrated assessment of their drought resistance. The progress in the yield growth of semi-dwarf and medium-sized wheat varieties is also due to an increase in the capacity of cenosis. as a result of the use of new parameters of the model of intensive and high-intensity genotypes, varieties of winter soft wheat Donmira, Akapella, Bogema, Bylina Dona i Pal'mira 18, Kuryanochka 19, Pafos, developed for the Central Chernozem, North Caucasus, Lower Volga, Middle Volga and Ural regions, were created and included in the State Register of Breeding Achievements in 2019-2022. These varieties are well adapted for arid regions according to the complex of breeding and valuable traits.

“Soft Power” as a Part of Turkish Foreign Policy in Georgia

This study examines the strategic use of soft power as an integral component of Türkiye’s foreign policy in the South Caucasus region. The author explores the strategies and mechanisms by which Türkiye projects it’s cultural, economic, and diplomatic influence in the region. It also examines Türkiye’s purposeful efforts to improve its image, authority and significance in Georgia. Paying special attention to cultural diplomacy, educational exchanges, humanitarian aid and economic partnership, the paper reveals how Türkiye seeks to shape its perceptions, develop cooperation and strengthen its geopolitical position. Methodologically, the study is based on case studies of Turkish soft power in Georgia. In addition, the author analyzes the general framework of Turkish policy in Georgia using the historical-descriptive method. The content analysis of Turkish media and other Turkish cultural agents such as TV shows, films, serials, etc. was used to understand how Ankara uses soft power to promote its cultural and political interests in Georgia. Through empirical analysis, the study examines specific examples of Türkiye’s soft power initiatives, including the promotion of the Turkish language and culture, educational scholarships and humanitarian aid. In addition, the study examines the perception of Türkiye’s soft power initiatives by the local population and assesses their impact on regional dynamics. The findings emphasize the multifaceted nature of Turkish soft power and the consequences of its use for Georgia. Given Georgia’s Christian majority, Türkiye relies on secular instruments of its soft power, while not giving up religious influence on the Muslim communities of Georgia.

Azerbaijani-Iranian Relations After the Second Karabakh War: Features and Trends

The study presents an analysis of bilateral relations between the Republic of Azerbaijan (RA) and the Islamic Republic of Iran (IRI) after the Second Karabakh War (SKW), identifying the sources of tension and new trends in their relations. On the one hand, the participation of RA and IRI in large-scale Eurasian transport and logistics projects allows both countries to play a special role in regional politics, and on the other hand, the full-fledged security of the South Caucasus region, including its current position in the system of international relations, largely depends on the level and quality of Azerbaijani-Iranian relations. The purpose of this study is to identify the features and trends of Azerbaijani-Iranian relations after the Second Karabakh War. The author analyzes the reasons for the aggravation of bilateral relations after the SKW in terms of domestic and foreign policy factors. If ethno-political and religious-ideological factors are considered as domestic political reasons, then the nature of the development of relations between Azerbaijan and Türkiye, Azerbaijan and Israel, and Iran and Armenia is assessed as a foreign policy aspect that led to the deterioration of Azerbaijani-Iranian relations. In addition, conducting military exercises by the two countries near the Azerbaijani-Iranian state border, the position of the Iranian authorities against the opening of the Zangezur corridor, and the attack on the Azerbaijani embassy in Tehran at the end of January 2023 also contributed to the deepening of the escalation between the RA and the IRI. Along with this, a new positive trend is also emerging in bilateral relations. The volume of trade turnover between the two countries has traditionally decreased during crisis situations; however, despite the fact that Azerbaijani-Iranian political relations are currently experiencing the worst period in their history, the development of relations in the trade and economic spheres is observed, which is a new trend in the interactions between Baku and Tehran. Thus, not only the problems caused by the COVID-19 coronavirus infection in the economies of the two countries, but also the intensification of work on transport projects in the South Caucasus create conditions for maintaining and increasing the level of trade and economic relations.

THE MYSTERY OF THE ONOGURIS FORTRESS

The names Honagur/Onogur etc. referring to the Huns and later to the Hungarians appear in the sources of the Caucasus region, which indicates that the Huns and their descendants played an important role in the region in the 5th-6th centuries. In my present study, I examine the name of the fortress, Onoguris, which often appeared in the Byzantine-Persian war, and which played an important role in the battles. In my present study, I examine the name of the fortress, Onoguris, which is reminds us the name Hungarians and appeared in the Byzantine-Persian, especially in the Lazica war, and which played an important role in the battles.

SEISMICITY of the NORTHERN CAUCASUS in 2018–2019

Seismic monitoring of the territory of the North Caucasus in 2018–2019 was carried our by a seismic network of 66 stations. All stations were digitally equipped. The seismic network provided representative registration of earthquakes with KR≥7.0 in most of the territory, in its central (including the Greater Sochi region) and eastern parts – with KR≥6.0, and in some local zones – with KP≥5.5. In general, 6874 earthquakes have been recorded in the region and its environs. 59 earthquakes were felt in the Caucasus settlements, 26 of them occurred in the North Caucasus region. The maximum shaking intensity Imax=6 by the MSK-64 scale was noted from the Zagatala earthquake of June 5, 2018 with KR=14.1 occurred in the territory of the Azerbaijan and from Buynak-II earthquake of May 24, 2019 with KR=11.5 in Dagestan near the Chirkey reservoir. On the territory of Ossetia and Ingushetia (Tersko-Caspian forward trough) two earthquakes, Zamankul and Yandar, were felt with intensity up to I=5. A doublet EQ felt up to I=3–4 was recorded on November 24, 2018 (KR=10.3) and November 25, 2018 (KR=10.5) in the West Kuban marginal trough. In accordance with the seismicity level scale "SOUS-09", seismicity of the North Caucasus in 2018–2019 is set as a "background average" for the observation period from 1962 to 2019.

İKİNCİ DÜNYA SAVAŞI ÖNCESİ DÖNEMDE TÜRK-GÜRCÜ ORTAK TARİHİNİN GELECEK DÖNEM İLİŞKİLERİNE ETKİLERİ

The present article provides an analysis of the longstanding relations between Türkiye and Georgia, encompassing various dimensions such as diplomatic, economic, social, cultural, and military. The historical background of Turkish-Georgian relations can be traced back to the Seljuks Conquest and the period of Ottoman Empire’s rule in the Caucasus region through its diplomatic, economic, social, and cultural relations with Georgian region. The historical impact of the Seljuk and Ottoman Empires on Georgia's economic growth as a trading partner in the Black Sea, Caucasians and the Mediterranean is noteworthy. However, the extent of Ottoman’s influence was curtailed by the dominance and sway of Russia. Following the Independence War of Türkiye, diplomatic ties were restored through the establishment of the Republic of Türkiye before the annexation of Georgia by the Soviet Union. After the Soviet occupation of Georgia, Türkiye faced a challenging situation, as the political system recently established in Georgia exhibited a strong alignment with the Soviet Union, a geopolitical entity that Türkiye perceived as a possible menace to its own security. Georgia's independence ushered in a new era in Turkish-Georgian ties after the Cold War ended. The two nations now cooperate in political, economic, social, and cultural areas, with recent years seeing a rise in military ties as well. This article explores the correlation between political interdependence and cultural interactions, with a particular focus on historical events such as the Russo-Turkish War, the Battle of Sarikamish, and the Status of City of Batumi. In this context, it will be investigated whether the Turkish-Georgian relations in the pre-World War II period are the main determining factor in the following period. As an assumption, the hypothesis that well-founded Turkey-Georgia relations will help resolve regional crises will be defended.

Exploring natural and social drivers of forest degradation in post-Soviet Georgia

The Caucasus Mountains harbor high concentrations of endemic species and provide an abundance of ecosystem services yet are significantly understudied compared to other ecosystems in Eurasia. In the country of Georgia, at the heart of the Caucasus region, forest degradation has been the largest land change process over the last thirty years. The prevailing narrative is that legal and illegal cutting of trees for fuelwood is primarily responsible for this process. Yet, since independence from the Soviet Union in 1991, the country has undergone rapid socioeconomic and institutional changes which have not been explored as drivers of forest change. We combine newly available land-cover change estimates, Georgian statistical data, and historical institutional change data to examine socioeconomic drivers of forest degradation. Our analysis controls for concurrent changes in climate that would affect degradation and examines variation at the regional (state) level from 2011 to 2019, as well as at the national level from 1987 to 2019. We find that higher winter temperature and drought are associated with higher degradation at the regional scale, while major institutional changes and drought are associated with higher forest degradation at the national level. Access to natural gas, the major energy alternative to fuelwood, had no significant association with degradation. Our results challenge the narrative that poverty and a lack of alternative energy infrastructure drive forest degradation and suggest that government policies banning household fuelwood cutting, including the new Forest Code of 2020, may not reduce forest degradation. Given these results, improved data on wood harvesting and more research on the commercial drivers of degradation and their links to economic and political reforms is needed to better inform forest policy in the region, especially given ongoing risks from climate change.

The role of Azerbaijan as the EU’s energy supplier: a secondary alternative partner in natural gas

ABSTRACT This article focuses on what kind of shortcomings Azerbaijan has in becoming the main energy supplier of the EU. The objective of this study is to analyse disadvantages of Azerbaijan via a mixed methodology which is based on discourses, data of Eurostat and description of political and geographical shortcomings of the country. Azerbaijan has both some advantages and disadvantages. The policy of neighbourhood relations is implemented between Azerbaijan and the EU. Azerbaijan is a country with which the EU has friendly relations in the Caucasus region. By analysing Azerbaijan's capacity, its importance and position for the EU can be emphasised. Data published by Eurostat are used in this study. According to these data, it can be stated that Russia is no longer a major supplier to the EU. The asymmetric interdependence between the EU and Russia in energy field has weakened as a result of the recent steps taken by European politicians. The USA, Qatar, Norway and the United Kingdom are among the new supplier countries. What role can Azerbaijan play in satisfying the EU's energy needs? In this article, I argue that Azerbaijan can be an important supplier to the EU, but it cannot become the main energy supplier.

Comparative Analysis of the Pre- and Post-soviet Caucasian Press at the Example of Georgian Newspapers: “Sakartvelo” (Georgia) (1918) and “Kviris Palitra” (2022)

In the present reality, the stability of the Caucasus region is essential for the correct and democratic development of the post-Soviet area countries. The press reflects the reality of what is happening, therefore, studying its quality and content always gives an opportunity to draw the adequate conclusion.Goal of the research is to determine to what extent the Caucasian (in particular, Georgian) press missed the path of its natural development due to appearing in the Soviet reality. What was the pre-Soviet and post-Soviet Georgian press like?The research was conducted on the basis of a comparative analysis of the content of the National Democratic Party newspaper “Sakartvelo” (Georgia) (1918) and the modern free public-political newspaper “Kviris Palitra” (2022).Before the forced unification of the Transcaucasian region into the Soviet Union, the local press was developing democratically. There were party newspapers, government and opposition publications. In modern reality, in the post-Soviet space, in the conditions of freedom of the press, newspapers show the tendency of total tabloidization. Irrelevant, unverified and biased information is often published.As a result of the research, it was determined that the pre-Soviet press was of high quality and developed democratically, and the Soviet experience had such a negative impact that in the post-Soviet reality, the Transcaucasian press did not have three decades to return to its natural development path.

CSCE’s Peace Efforts in the Nagorno-Karabakh Conflict during the Czechoslovak Chairmanship in 1992

The year 2022 marked thirty years since the Chairmanship of the Czech and Slovak Federative Republic in the CSCE. The article focuses on one of the main agendas of that period: the First Nagorno-Karabakh War. It aims to assess the success of the CSCE peacemaking activities and initiatives during 1992 and to answer the question of whether individual actors’ efforts led to a peaceful solution, defusing the situation, and improving relations between the parties to the conflict in the South Caucasus region. Finally, the article concludes that, although the CSCE gradually moved from soft actions to peacebuilding activities, it lacked peace-making experience and sufficiently developed and flexible mechanisms compared to other international organizations.

Voices of the Caucasus: mapping knowledge production on the Caucasus region

ABSTRACT There is growing recognition that diversity and representation matter to the intellectual health of fields and disciplines. This article takes stock of knowledge production on the Caucasus region, paying particular attention to the question of who has “voice” in academic debates on the North and South Caucasus. Through analysis of publications in, and the editorial boards of, “leading” International Relations (IR) and Area Studies journals, we examine the biographies of scholars, the topics covered, and citation levels. We demonstrate the marginality of the Caucasus within IR and limited representation for scholars educated and employed in the region within Area Studies, as well as distinct differences according to background in the topics covered. This research provides a foundation for further exploring disciplinary inequalities and their consequences in relation to the Caucasus.

Strategiczne priorytety bezpieczeństwa Gruzji po konflikcie z Federacją Rosyjską w 2008 roku

GEORGIA’S STRATEGIC SECURITY PRIORITIES AFTER THE 2008 CONFLICT WITH THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION The aim of the article is to present the security determinants as well as changes regarding the strategic priorities of state security of Georgia after the war with Russia in 2008. Since the beginning of the system transformation into a legal democratic state, Georgia has been developing essential reforms that involved the establishment of democratic institutions, state modernisation, the development of a free trade economy, as well as directed towards Euro-Atlantic and western institutions for co-operation and security. In the international dimension, these efforts have met the encouragement and support of the western and democratic states and institutions, especially NATO and the EU. On the other hand, Georgia had to face the huge opposition from the Russian Federation that aimed to maintainits previous area of influence and oppose the pro-western development in the region of South Caucasus. The war in 2008 (Russian aggression) slowed down these transformation processes and was the reason for the change of perceiving the security environment of Georgia and the role and attitude of Russian Federation towards the post-Soviet space. It resulted in necessary efforts to rebuild the country after the ravages of war on the one hand, and in the considerable change regarding the restoration of institutions and possibilities connected with the main security goals on the Georgian pro-democratic and pro-western way.

The Cornerstone of the Ecumene: on the question of the medieval Church center of Zichia

The subject of the study is the history of Christianization of the part of the Caucasian Black Sea region located in the South of Russia and the adjacent territory. Since its inception, in the 1st century AD, Christianity has formed a complex structured organization that gradually spread its influence over the territory of the Roman Empire and a number of other states. In the Western Caucasus, the presence of a church organization has been recorded since the sixth century, however, a large amount of archaeological data indicates that the first Christian communities in Southern Russia arose much earlier. Special attention is paid to the consideration of issues related to the formation and development of the Christian mission on the Black Sea coast of the Western Caucasus in the medieval period. The author examines the stages of Christianization of the autochthonous peoples of the region, paying special attention to the complex aspects of their ethnogenesis and political development, as well as the evolution of geographical representations of this territory in the consciousness of the civilized world represented by the Byzantine Empire. The importance of the problem of localization of the largest religious center – Nikopsia of Zikhi leads to the need for a thorough analysis of the available narrative sources, the conclusions of which are comprehensively included in the results of this study and are additionally illustrated in the table. The main result of this study is the identification of an obvious contradiction in approaches to the localization of Zikhian Nicopsia. Despite the fact that a fairly large number of researchers have addressed this problem, it should be noted that this problem has not yet been definitively resolved. The main premise characterizing the approach of most researchers who have addressed this topic is the idea of the uniqueness of the oikonym "Nikopsia" for the Caucasian Black Sea region. This idea gave rise to numerous versions of the localization of the famous, according to a number of medieval sources, Nicopsia of Zikhi. At the same time, most medieval literary monuments of Caucasian origin are united in the issue of localization of this, one of the oldest, Christian centers of the Western Caucasus. Nikopsia of Zikhi, which changed its name in the early tenth century, later became known as Anakopia.