1st Edition
Regional Cooperation in the South Caucasus Good Neighbours or Distant Relatives?
The South Caucasus region, comprising the former Soviet states of Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia occupies a key strategic location, squeezed between the Black and Caspian Seas, Iran, Russia and Turkey. Since the disintegration of the Soviet Union in 1991, the region has become an arena of geopolitical confrontation with regional powers such as Russia, Turkey and Iran vying for influence in the face of growing Western involvement. The Russian military intervention in Georgia in 2008 not only raised questions about Moscow's intentions towards its 'Near Abroad' and the future direction of its foreign policy, it also demonstrated that ostensibly local separatist disputes have serious ramifications for regional relations and the wider international community. In this book, German explores the extent of regional cooperation in the South Caucasus, analyses the reasons for the relative lack of regional cooperation and assesses the potential for deeper cooperation in the future.
Biography
Dr Tracey German, King's College London, UK.
'Provides the reader with a compelling and astute analysis rooted in comprehensive research and knowledge of the Caucasus together with a deep understanding of the processes of fundamental change occurring in the South Caucasus. Seasoned security policy scholars and younger practitioners will welcome this book.' Charles Blandy, formerly of the Advanced Research and Assessment Group, Defence Academy of the United Kingdom 'German’s exemplary piece of scholarship based on exhaustive research demonstrates the root causes that undermine state-level cooperation in the South Caucasus and precipitate different strategic orientations. ... German’s book is a welcome addition to the field and is highly recommended to scholars and students who are interested in the history and politics of the South Caucasus.' Europe-Asia Studies
