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.

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

See all analysis on the South Caucasus

Latest Podcasts

See all podcast episodes on The South Caucasus

Recent Events

Russia Abroad

Photo: LOUAI BESHARA/AFP/Getty Images

Russia Abroad

February 22, 2019 • 1:30 – 3:00 pm EST
See all events on the South Caucasus

Related Programs

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

All The South Caucasus Content

Filter by

1 - 10 of 65 results
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

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