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Prisoner of the Caucasus?

It is time for Washington, in tandem with its allies, to develop a more realistic, forward-looking approach to the South Caucasus, a region that now faces internal upheaval and its neighbors' mounting ambitions.

Report by Jeffrey Mankoff — December 17, 2024

The Inhospitable Sea: Toward a New U.S. Strategy for the Black Sea Region

Russia’s war in Ukraine has upended security and stability across the wider Black Sea region. A new U.S. Black Sea strategy should focus on restoring the balance of power, catalyzing regional cooperation, and fostering connectivity among NATO allies and partners.

Report by Lisa Aronsson and Jeffrey Mankoff — February 2, 2023

Russian-Speaking Foreign Fighters in Iraq and Syria

Together, Russia and the countries of post-Soviet Central Asia have seen more of their citizens and residents travel to Syria and Iraq as foreign fighters than have any other parts of the world.

Report by Maria Galperin Donnelly, Thomas M. Sanderson, Olga Oliker, Maxwell B. Markusen, and Denis Sokolov — December 29, 2017

Myths, Facts, and Mysteries About Foreign Fighters Out of Russia

Those who follow the conflict in Syria are well aware that thousands of citizens and residents of the Russian Federation joined ISIS, al-Nusra, and other violent jihadi groups fighting to overthrow Bashar alAssad’s government in Syria.

Commentary by Olga Oliker — December 21, 2017

Russia’s Design in The Black Sea: Extending the Buffer Zone

Russia’s current military doctrine (2014) and national security strategy (2015) reflect the Kremlin’s overarching obsession with fragmentation and subversion, especially in the Black Sea and Caucasus regions. Moscow shares the West’s assessment that unresolved regional conflicts, ethnic tensions, or violence from extremist groups create a risk of destabilization. However, Russia perceives its own actions as defensive and mirrors Western accusations by claiming foreign military buildup and intelligence services in its near abroad seek to destroy its unity and territorial integrity. No clear distinction is drawn by either document between Russia’s internal and external borders. On the contrary, neighbor countries allegedly serve as an entry point to shape Russia’s information space and its internal sphere, undermining its national interests. In this perspective, radical political change at Russia’s outskirts must be thwarted at any cost and could possibly lead to conflict.

Commentary by Boris Toucas — June 28, 2017

The South Caucasus in a Reconnecting Eurasia

The South Caucasus in a Reconnecting Eurasia examines the full scope of South Caucasus–Eurasia relations and analyzes the broad outlines of U.S. engagement over the coming years.

Report by Andrew C. Kuchins — October 11, 2016