The South Caucasus

Characterized by the formidable mountain range dividing southern Russia from northern Turkey and Iran, the Caucasus region includes nations shaped by post-Soviet transitions and enduring geopolitical fault lines. Since independence in 1991, the South Caucasus has struggled to navigate unresolved conflicts that have slowed development and invited influence from Russia and Turkey. While democratic and economic reforms have advanced unevenly, corruption, human rights abuses, and instability continue to challenge regional security. CSIS examines economic, political, and security developments in its analysis of this small but vital regional complex.

Photo: MANDEL NGAN/AFP via Getty Images

Photo: MANDEL NGAN/AFP via Getty Images

Eurasia’s Shifting Balance of Influence: An Opening for the United States?

Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine and the ongoing conflict in Iran have created greater space for Washington to engage with Eurasia. Yet these developments have also provided more opportunities for other actors, including China, to expand their footprint in the region.

Commentary by Tina Dolbaia and Leah Kieff — June 12, 2026

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Russia Abroad

Photo: LOUAI BESHARA/AFP/Getty Images

Russia Abroad

February 22, 2019 • 1:30 – 3:00 pm EST
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Experts

Max Bergmann

Max Bergmann

Director, Europe, Russia, and Eurasia Program and Stuart Center
Seth G. Jones

Seth G. Jones

President, Defense and Security Department; Harold Brown Chair
Tina Dolbaia

Tina Dolbaia

Associate Fellow, Europe, Russia, and Eurasia Program

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Eurasia’s Shifting Balance of Influence: An Opening for the United States?

Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine and the ongoing conflict in Iran have created greater space for Washington to engage with Eurasia. Yet these developments have also provided more opportunities for other actors, including China, to expand their footprint in the region.

Commentary by Tina Dolbaia and Leah Kieff — June 12, 2026

Resilience Through Linkage: Russia, Iran, and Aspirations for North–South Trade

The study identifies a clear Russian and Iranian commitment to creating a north–south trade route that could bypass Western sanctions. The report evaluates the route’s potential to reshape the U.S.-dominated global trade system in the coming decades.

Report by Maria Snegovaya, Tina Dolbaia, and Nicholas Fenton — April 16, 2026

Russian Roulette

Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Geopolitics in the South Caucasus

Max and Maria are joined by Richard Giragosian and Jeffrey Mankoff to talk about the current geopolitical moment in the South Caucasus, with a particular focus on the dynamics at play in the relationships between Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Russia.

Podcast Episode by Max Bergmann and Maria Snegovaya — July 15, 2025

Russian Roulette podcast logo

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

In Georgia, Civil Society Wins against Russia-Style ‘Foreign Agents’ Bill

In March, the Georgian government decided to adopt a Russia-style "foreign agents" bill, spurring mass protests in the country. While civil society has shown its commitment to Georgia’s democratic future, questions arise about the government’s shifting political agenda.  

Critical Questions by Tina Dolbaia and Maria Snegovaya — March 15, 2023

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