The South Caucasus: Reviving Regional Cooperation or Fostering Authoritarian Regionalism?

The events of recent years have exacerbated existing fault lines across the South Caucasus, meaning that the three states do not appear to be any closer to the existence of any form of unified political region than they were in the early 1990s; positive interdependence and cooperation between all three states still remains the exception and to date there has been little sign that these dynamics will re-energise genuine regional cooperation. This Policy Paper examines the question of whether current regional (and global) dynamics present the states with a unique opportunity to pursue regional cooperation and integration initiatives. Against a backdrop of great power competition, increasing global uncertainty and instability, and the changing geopolitical context in the wider region, the three states have an opportunity to use their agency and exploit the situation to their mutual advantage, working together to ensure stability and security. Shared goals could help mitigate against the impact of great power competition and facilitate the development of trust between former adversaries.

This publication was produced in cooperation with the Konrad Adenauer Stiftung (KAS) South Caucasus Office. The contents of this publication are the sole responsibility of the authors and can in no way be taken to reflect the views of GIP or the KAS South Caucasus Office.

Policy Paper #44 | June 2024