South Caucasus is Unable to Determine its Political and Military Priorities

NATO’s policy of cooperation with the South Caucasus countries is very unique. If Georgia has decided to fully comply with NATO standards with the ultimate goal of joining the alliance, well then Armenia has a complete different position: by considering NATO’s eastward expansion a threat to its security. Armenia is Russia’s military ally and a member of the CSTO, where Russia plays a dominant role. 

In Azerbaijan, the situation is a bit different. During its 19 years of independence, Azerbaijan has changed its military-political position a few times.

A recent study by the Baku Center for Military Studies has come to such a conclusion. In director Ildrym Mammedov’s opinion, from 1994–2005, Azerbaijan adopted a pro-NATO strategy, but since 2005, Baku has given priority to rapprochement with Russia. 

Armenia, which at one time was taking clear strides in cooperating with NATO, now takes a position in favor of strengthening its military alliance with Russia. Azerbaijan has to take this fact into consideration.

According to experts, because of serious pressure on the Russian Federation today, the South Caucasus states find it difficult to determine their political and military priorities. On the other hand, NATO’s wavering policy contributes to instability in the region. 

If the situation continues to develop this way, then in the near future, cooperation between NATO and the South Caucasus countries won’t work out. 

At the same time, it’s possible that NATO will gradually turn its attention to the settlement of conflicts in the region and this could