After the Iranian deal, Russia’s power struggle in the Caucasus – The Case of Armenia (Frank Lünemann, CGSRS)

As an Iranian oil and gas transit hub country, Armenia wants to profit from the recent lifting of economic sanctions on Iran to project its feverish economy outside of the Russian sphere of influence and dependence. Conscious of the key geo-strategic position of Armenia, Russia will most likely never embrace such act of emancipation and let the country develop new partnerships with western or non-Russian parties. However, Russia also eyes closer collaboration with its Iranian counterpart and while it seeks to extend its energy network southwards, its policy towards Armenia comes in contradictions with its own Iranian aspirations. This research paper exposes the difficulties and challenges faced by Russia and Armenia in the Caucasus and discusses the potential concessions needed to achieve mutual benefit for both parties in light of a new geo-political environment wherein Iran will play a more assertive role.

http://www.cgsrs.org/publicationDetail.php?page=Publication&Publication=48