Why do some secessions produce peace and order, while others lead to violence and instability? Related, why does conflict emerge in some regions and not in others? This essay challenges five prominent explanations and advances an alternative theory. The core argument rests upon a curvilinear...

The article examines two regional railway projects, one of which — Kars-Akhalkalaki-Tbilisi-Baku (KATB) — is already reaching completion and the second — restoration of the Abkhazian Section of the Trans-Caucasian Railway (ASTCR) — is still being discussed at the political level. The...

Connectivity, especially in the transport sector, has become a ubiquitous issue in the South Caucasus in recent years. Transport connectivity also plays a central role in the European Union’s policy towards the region. As part of its Global Gateway Initiative, the EU has made a commitment that...

The South Caucasus has long been a theatre of Turkish and Iranian cooperation and rivalry. While these two regional powers have historically balanced their interests, there are signs that rivalry is taking precedence. Turkey’s unwavering backing of Azerbaijan during the 2020 Karabakh War...

Since February 2022 - when Russia invaded the Ukraine - the geopolitical situation in the South Caucasus changed dramatically. On the one hand, EU sanctions on Russia made the "Middle Corridor" of the Chinese Belt and Road Initiative through the South Caucasus more attractive for China and...