Category: Caucasus
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Russia FSB Eliminated Islamic State Supporters in Dagestan
The Russian Federal Security Service’s neutralisation of two Islamic State supporters in Dagestan underscored the persistent security threats within the North Caucasian region and the capacity of extremist propaganda and recruitment networks to infiltrate local communities.
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Armenia and the TRIPP Corridor: Russia’s Calculated Risk in the South Caucasus
This report assesses Armenia’s decision to advance the TRIPP corridor by restoring a dormant Soviet-era rail section linking Azerbaijan to Nakhchivan via Armenian territory, within a context of accelerating geopolitical realignment towards the West.
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Abkhazia: Detention of British National Accused of Spying Local Defence Infrastructure
Executive Summary This report examines the 26 January 2026 detention and expulsion of British national Kuldip Singh by the Abkhaz State Security Service (SGB) for suspected espionage.
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Georgia’s Joint Customs Initiative with Armenia and Azerbaijan: Economic Signalling and Implications for Caucasus Stability
This report assesses Georgia’s recent agreement to establish joint customs checkpoints with Armenia and Azerbaijan and its broader strategy to position itself as a regional logistics hub.
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Caught in the Middle: Armenia between the United States and Iran
This assessment analyses how renewed United States tariffs on countries trading with Tehran, combined with internal instability in Iran, affect Armenia’s economic resilience and strategic posture.
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Caucasus Geopolitical Risk 2026
The Caucasus region enters 2026 in a state of profound transformation, characterised by the shift from traditional “frozen conflicts” to a high-stakes competition over transcontinental trade corridors.
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Armenia, the Trump Route (TRIPP) Lease Proposal and Pashinyan’s Domestic Politics
Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has publicly stated that Yerevan is considering granting a 49- or 99-year lease for development rights to the proposed Trump Route (TRIPP), a transit corridor linking mainland Azerbaijan with the Nakhichevan exclave via Armenia’s Syunik Province.
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Azerbaijan-Kazakhstan Consolidated Their Regional Cooperation and Strategy
The visit of President Ilham Aliyev to Astana on October 20-21, 2025, strengthened the strategic partnership between Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan.
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Arrest of Islamic State-Linked Individuals in Adjara, Georgia
The State Security Service of Georgia (SSG) detained three Georgian nationals in Adjara on 13 October 2025 for alleged affiliation with the so-called “Takbirist Jamaat”, a group ideologically aligned with the Islamic State.
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Abkhazia SWOT Analysis
This report investigates the Republic of Abkhazia’s strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats to inform policymakers and analysts on short- to medium-term geopolitical and economic risk.
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Dagestan and the International Forum on Sustainable Development of Mountain Territories: Why Matters?
The International Forum on “Sustainable Development of Mountain Territories,” convened in Makhachkala on 1–3 October 2025, constitutes a significant demonstration of Moscow’s intent to promote Dagestan’s economy and integrate the North Caucasian republic into multilateral Eurasian frameworks.
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China’s Cultural Expansion in Armenia: Strategic Implications of the Confucius University Initiative
This report evaluates Armenia’s agreement with China to establish a Confucius University in Yerevan, assessing its economic, political, and strategic consequences.
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Pezeshkian’s Visit to Armenia Confirms Iran’s Interests in the South Caucasus
This report analyses the official visit of Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian to Armenia, which resulted in the signing of ten memorandums covering political, economic, cultural, and scientific cooperation.
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US-Armenia Military Drills “Eagle Partner 2025” and Strategic Implications in the South Caucasus
This report investigates the geopolitical and regional outcomes and implications of the joint Armenia–US military exercises, Eagle Partner 2025, focusing on Yerevan’s domestic and external constraints and Russian leverages.
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US-Brokered Armenia–Azerbaijan Peace Deal and the Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity
Executive Summary This report examines the peace agreement signed at the White House between Armenia and Azerbaijan, brokered by US President Donald Trump.
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Armenian President Discussed the INSTC with Iranian Vice-President
This report assesses the recent meeting between the Armenian President and the Iranian Vice-President who focused their attetion on the INSTC and bilateral economic cooperation.
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Turkey – Azerbaijan – Syria Gas Transit Deal Impacts the Middle Eastern Geopolitical Chessboard
This report examines how gas transit through Turkey, Azerbaijan, and Syria currently aids Damascus’ energy needs and economic growth, Baku’s export diversification efforts, and Ankara’s Middle East ambitions.
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Turkey and the Defence Industry Cooperation Among Turkic States Promoted at the IDEF 2025
The Organisation of Turkic States (OTS) launched a multilateral defence industry cooperation platform that represents Ankara’s strategic initiative to expand its economic and geopolitical influence in Central Asia and the South Caucasus.
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Insights into Armenia’s Foreign Policy and Economic Opportunities: An Interview with Ambassador Vladimir Karapetyan
SpecialEurasia recently interviewed the new Ambassador of the Republic of Armenia to Italy, H.E. Vladimir Karapetyan, to acquire insights into his vision and the current state of Armenia’s foreign relations and domestic opportunities.
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Chechnya: A SWOT Analysis of China Wuhuan’s Investment Initiative
This report assesses the strategic credibility, practical feasibility, and geopolitical implications of the planned Chinese investment trip to Chechnya in July 2025.
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CASAREX 2025: Russian-Iranian Military Cooperation and Security Implications in the Caspian Sea Region
Russia and Iran’s joint naval exercise, CASAREX 2025, in the Caspian Sea, strongly asserts their military presence in the strategically important region.
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South Caucasus: Strategic Security Risk and Russia’s Geopolitical Dynamics
Geopolitics in the Caucasus is constantly shifting, showing both division and lasting patterns. Despite pressure and diplomatic confrontation, particularly with Azerbaijan and Armenia, Russia retains influence in the South Caucasus through economic and cultural ties.
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Sukhum Airport: Geopolitics and Strategic Implications
This report examines the geopolitical effects of Sukhum Airport’s reopening and modernisation on Abkhazia, the Caucasian dynamics, and the Russian regional interests.
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Georgia Strengths Its Role as a ‘Bridge’ Between Europe and Asia
Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze recently highlighted a two-pronged economic strategy that uses Georgia’s location to become a key transit route between Europe and Asia.
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ECO Summit in Stepanakert, Baku’s Strategy and Azerbaijan-Iran Relations
The 17th Eurasian Cooperation Organisation (ECO) Summit held on 3–4 July 2025 in Stepanakert (Khankendi) stressed Azerbaijan’s domestic and regional strategy and Iran’s attempt to normalise relations with Baku.
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Dagestan: Economic Development, SVO Support, and Persistent Security Challenges
This report examines recent developments in Dagestan, focusing on security operations, public policy initiatives, and strategic infrastructure projects.
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Russian–Armenian Relations and EU Regional Strategy: Latest Updates
This report analyses Moscow’s recent public support for Armenia’s legal system and stability, assesses how Yerevan’s pro-EU policies affect trade and defence cooperation between the two countries.
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Geopolitical Risk June 2025: Caucasus, Central Asia, Middle East
This June 2025 report on geopolitical risks in the Middle East, Central Asia, and the Caucasus focuses on rising tensions, key factors, and future predictions. This helps stakeholders understand emerging threats, thus informing policy, security, and investment decisions.
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Geopolitical Implications of the Iran-Israeli Conflict for the Southern Caucasus
This report analyses the developing geopolitical dynamics involving the South Caucasus, especially Armenia and Azerbaijan, set against the backdrop of the ongoing Israel-Iran conflict. It explores the threats posed to both Armenia and Iran by Israel’s military cooperation with Baku and examines the broader implications for regional stability.
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Armenian Syunik Region Through Consulates And Corridors
This report assesses the strategic significance of establishing multiple foreign consular missions in Armenia’s Syunik region and along the prospective corridor. The report examines also the deepening defence cooperation between Yerevan and Paris in the context of renewed Azerbaijani threats to Armenian sovereignty.
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Why Iranian Industrial Group Shasta’s Expanding Exports via Makhachkala Port Matters in Regional Geopolitics?
This report analyses the Iranian corporation Shasta’s involvement and interests in the Makhachkala Sea Trade Port in the Republic of Dagestan. The report also outlines potential benefits and challenges tied to these efforts.
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Italy’s Cultural Diplomacy and Infrastructural Investment in Armenia
This report analyses Italy’s expanding diplomatic, cultural, and economic engagement with Armenia, highlighting recent initiatives that point to a strategic deepening of ties between the two countries.
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Guarding the Map: Iran’s Strategic Partnership with Armenia renewed at the Yerevan Dialogue 2025
This report examines Iran’s strategic posture in the South Caucasus following Deputy Foreign Minister Saeed Khatibzadeh’s remarks at the Yerevan Dialogue 2025 forum.
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Yerevan Dialogue 2025: Strategic Considerations and Geopolitical Outlook
This report presents an assessment of the 2nd Yerevan Dialogue held on 26–27 May 2025, following SpecialEurasia’s official visit to Armenia, participation at the event, and direct engagement with local representatives.
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Kavkaz Investment Forum 2025: Economic and Geopolitical Outlook
This report provides an analytical assessment of the North Caucasus Federal District (NCFD) based on developments presented at the Kavkaz Investment Forum 2025, recent macroeconomic data, and ongoing geopolitical dynamics.
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What Can We Learn from Lavrov’s Official Visit to Armenia?
This report analyses Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov’s recent visit to Yerevan, examining the strategic messaging underpinning Moscow’s diplomatic posture towards Armenia and the broader South Caucasus.
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Abkhazia’s Relations with Germany: An Interview with Dr Khibla Amichba
SpecialEurasia has interviewed Khibla Amichba, the Plenipotentiary Representative of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Abkhazia in Germany, to discuss the role of the Abkhaz diaspora in Europe, cultural diplomacy, enduring relationship with the homeland and the challenges of representation abroad.
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Armed Attack in Makhachkala Underlined Dagestan’s Security Dilemmas
This report evaluates the recent armed attack in Makhachkala within the broader context of persistent terrorist activity in the Republic of Dagestan. It assesses the tactical and strategic implications of recent violence targeting security forces and the state’s response capacity.
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Pezeshkian’s Official Visit to Baku and Iran-Azerbaijan Relations
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian’s official visit to Azerbaijan is a significant step towards restoring bilateral relations between Tehran and Baku after years of tensions. Several cooperation agreements signal a cautious but realignment of Iranian-Azerbaijani relations in a highly competitive geopolitical landscape.
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Azerbaijan Deepens Ties with China during Aliyev’s Visit to Beijing
This report assesses the geopolitical implications of President Ilham Aliyev’s state visit to China from April 22 to 24, 2025, within the broader context of Azerbaijan’s developing foreign policy. The growing economic interdependence with China, however, poses complex strategic implications for Azerbaijan’s geopolitical balancing act.
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Armenian Business Association Discussed Yerevan’s Strategy Between Moscow and Brussels
This report examines Armenia’s shifting foreign policy orientation, using recent remarks made by the President of the Armenian Business Association Samvel Karapetyan at a Moscow business forum as an entry point for broader analysis. Karapetyan’s public concerns about the economic fallout of exiting the EAEU come at a critical moment in Yerevan’s recalibration of its strategic posture, with ongoing efforts to align more closely with the EU.
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Russia’s Cultural Diplomacy in Armenia and Azerbaijan to Counter the West and Turkey
This report focuses on recent developments in the geopolitical dynamics between Russia, Azerbaijan, and Armenia, with a particular emphasis on Moscow’s efforts to reinstate its cultural influence in the South Caucasus. Russia’s waning influence in Armenia and Azerbaijan’s increasing alignment with Western powers provide the context for understanding these actions.
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Are Energy and Lithium Driving Russia’s North Caucasus Strategy?
This report examines the strategic importance of the North Caucasus region for Russia, focusing on its role as a critical energy transit hub and local energy production area. Following the Ukraine conflict and the rising energy demands, the enhancement of energy infrastructure, including both local and transnational oil and gas pipelines, has become a key focus of the Kremlin policy.
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Navigating a Sea of Mistrust: The Negative Informational Climate of Armenia and Azerbaijan Negotiations
This report examines Azerbaijan’s recent escalation of information dissemination strategies, particularly through the Ministry of Defence’s daily reports of alleged Armenian ceasefire violations. Historically, similar narratives have been employed to shape public perception and create a justification framework for strategic manoeuvres.
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Armenia in the Collective Security Treaty Organisation (CSTO): A Strategic Look
Armenia has frozen its participation in the Collective Security Treaty Organisation (CSTO) since February 2024. The country has also ceased financial contributions and engagement in CSTO activities. This report evaluates the geopolitical and security implications of Armenia’s stance and the potential outcomes for regional stability.
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Makhachkala Port and Beyond: How Dagestan Connects Iran and Russia in a Shifting Eurasian Landscape
The report outlines the strategic relationship between Dagestan and Iran, highlighting recent developments during a delegation’s visit aimed at enhancing trade and economic collaboration
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Ethnic Alliances and Foreign Influence: The Power Struggle in Abkhazia’s Elections
This report aims to analyse the key outcomes of the election, the potential shifts in Abkhazia’s foreign and domestic policies, and the broader implications for regional stability. The results were as follows: Gunba 46.38%, Ardzinba 36.92%, Bartstits 4.04%, Arshba 7.53%, and Khurkhumal 0.91%. As no candidate obtained more than 50% of the vote, a second round will be held on March 1st, 2025.
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From Abkhazia to Nagorno-Karabakh: Turkey’s Anti-Armenian Agenda in the Caucasus
This report examines Turkey’s increasing influence in Abkhazia, especially in the context of the upcoming presidential elections scheduled for February 2025. The analysis explores Ankara’s broader geopolitical ambitions in the South Caucasus, where its growing presence challenges Russia’s traditional dominance and exhibits a significant anti-Armenian stance.
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Security and Terrorism in the North Caucasus: Interview with Mark Youngman
SpecialEurasia met with Mark Youngman to discuss his recent report “Terrorism and counterterrorism in the North Caucasus: 2024 trends” considering his vast experience as an open-source intelligence (OSINT) analyst and independent researcher.
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Impact of Turkey-Azerbaijan-Uzbekistan Trilateral Cooperation on the Post-Soviet Space
This report examines the outcomes of the second trilateral meeting Turkey-Azerbaijan-Uzbekistan held in Ankara on January 29th, 2025. The meeting focused on advancing cooperation in trade, investment, and transport, with particular attention to the development of the Middle Corridor as a vital trade route between Asia and Europe.
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Abkhazia’s Upcoming Presidential Elections: Interview with Kan Taniya
SpecialEurasia spoke with Kan Taniya, adviser at the Embassy of the Republic of Abkhazia in Russia, to analyse the internal political situation, the candidates, and the regional outlook.
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15 Years of the North Caucasus Federal District: An Analysis of Achievements and Challenges
This report aims at underlining the North Caucasus Federal District’s positive trends and the local challenges which might undermine regional stability and the Kremlin’s efforts to improve the socioeconomic conditions.
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Putin-Pashinyan’s Phone Conversation Confirmed Russia’s Interest in Armenia and the Caucasus
The recent phone conversation between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan reviewed Armenia’s presidency of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) and outline future cooperation within the bloc.
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Assessment of Armenia’s Foreign Policy Towards U.S., EU and Russia’s Regional Presence
This report assesses Yerevan’s foreign policy toward Washington and Brussels, and Moscow’s potential responses, considering Russia’s diminishing influence in the Caucasian republic after approximately thirty years. In addition, it analyses potential threats to Armenia arising from the expansion of its ties with the West.
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Iran-Armenia Relations: Strategic Partnership Amid Regional Transformations
This analysis examines how recent regional developments, particularly in security cooperation and economic partnerships, have reshaped Iran-Armenia’s relations amid growing regional challenges.
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Risk Assessment Report: Georgia – Political Unrest and EU Integration Impasse
This report analyses the ongoing political unrest in Georgia following the suspension of its EU membership negotiations and the contested parliamentary elections of October 27th, 2024.
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Intel Report: Abkhazia’s Domestic Political Crisis and Regional Implications
This report investigates recent protests in Abkhazia that reflect a deepening crisis in the republic (linked with Russian interests in the Caucasus), primarily driven by opposition factions demanding President Aslan Bzhania’s resignation and a full political transition.
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Incident Report: UAV Attack on the Russian University of Special Forces in Gudermes, Chechnya
On October 29th, 2024, a UAV attack targeted the Russian University of Special Forces (RUS) in Gudermes, Chechnya, resulting in a fire on the roof of an unoccupied building.
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Analysis of Georgia’s Recent Parliamentary Elections and Geopolitical Implications
The Georgian Dream party has secured a parliamentary majority with approximately 54% of the vote in Georgia’s recent elections. This outcome, disputed by pro-European opposition leaders, has raised concerns over electoral integrity and the future of Georgia’s EU candidacy.
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BRICS Summit: Strategic Implications for the Caspian Sea Region
The BRICS Summit in Kazan, Russia, marked a pivotal moment in the bloc’s expansion and its focus on fostering economic cooperation, regional security, and enhanced multilateral relations. The Caspian Sea region, shared by Russia, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Iran, and Turkmenistan, plays a strategic role in BRICS’ geopolitical and economic ambitions.
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Kalmykia: A New Russia Center for the Development of the Caspian Sea’s Regional Cooperation
This report seeks to outline the historical and socioeconomic features of Kalmykia and examine its potential contribution to Moscow’s logistics strategy in the Caspian Sea region.
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Azerbaijan: Increasing Saudi Investments Might Boost Economic Diversification
The recent Azerbaijani-Saudi business forum underlined Baku’s attempt to diversify its economy and Riyadh’s desire to increasing its investment and economic presence in Azerbaijan and, therefore, in the South Caucasus region.
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South Caucasus: Iran Opened a Trade Centre in Armenia
This report assesses the opening of the Iran Trade Centre in Yerevan, Armenia, on October 1st, 2024. The centre represents Tehran’s largest permanent trade facility abroad, aimed at facilitating economic engagement with the Armenian and Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) markets.
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Dagestan Between Kremlin’s Support and Indian Interests
This report analyses the recent developments in Dagestan, focusing on Moscow’s strategic interests in the republic and the geopolitical significance of the North Caucasus. It highlights the visit of Yuri Chaika, the Russian President’s representative in the North Caucasus, to Dagestan, and assesses the importance of the recent meeting between Dagestani authorities and an Indian delegation.
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Azerbaijan’s Foreign Policy Amidst the East-West Dichotomy
This report investigates Azerbaijan’s strategy to differentiate its partnerships, maximise economic opportunities, and maintain strategic autonomy amid shifting geopolitical dynamics characterised by the conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East and the East-West competition.
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Analysing Contemporary North Caucasus with Mairbek Vatchagaev
SpecialEurasia engaged in a discussion with Mairbek Vatchagaev, a historian and political analyst specialising in the North Caucasus, to acquire deeper insight into the region’s dynamics, the Kremlin’s local strategy, the developing situation, and future risks.
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Putin’s Visit to Baku: Assessing the Geopolitical Implications for the South Caucasus
This report analyses recent developments in the bilateral relations between Russia and Azerbaijan, focusing on the outcomes of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s official visit to Baku and its implications for regional geopolitics.
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Sukhum’s Cultural Diplomacy: Promoting Abkhaz Studies and Academic Research
The Abkhaz Academy of Sciences has introduced a scientific and technical program for 2024-2026 aimed at strengthening the country’s historical narrative and cultural identity. This program is significant for supporting Sukhum’s independence claims and countering Georgian territorial assertions through cultural diplomacy and international academic collaboration.
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Azerbaijan SWOT Analysis
Its strategic location, natural resources, and complex history shapes Azerbaijan’s geopolitical landscape. This SWOT analysis provides a comprehensive understanding of Azerbaijan’s current socioeconomic and political environment and guides investors in understanding the country’s potentialities and challenges.
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Armenia’s Foreign Policy in Contemporary Era: Interview with Paruyr Hovhannisyan
During our official visit to Yerevan, SpecialEurasia met with Paruyr Hovhannisyan, Vice-Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Armenia, with whom we discussed Yerevan’s regional and foreign policy.
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Investment Opportunities and Business Environment in Armenia: A Conversation with Levon Ohanesyan
Armenia’s strategic location, bridging Europe and Asia, has significantly contributed to its economic resurgence, catching the attention of global observers. SpecialEurasia recently convened with Levon Ohanesyan, CEO of Enterprise Armenia, in Yerevan to evaluate the nation’s investment landscape.
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Today’s Economy of Armenia: Interview with Gevorg Papoyan
During the official visit to Yerevan, SpecialEurasia discussed the country’s economic performance with the Minster of Economy of the Republic of Armenia, Gevorg Papoyan, with the ultimate goal of assessing local investments and trends and understand future opportunities and challenges for this South Caucasian republic.
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Intelligence Brief: Violent Attacks in Makhachkala and Derbent in Dagestan
The violent attacks which targeted law enforcement and religious sites in Derbent and Makhachkala in the Republic of Dagestan highlight security issues in the North Caucasus and terrorist threats in the Russian Federation.
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SpecialEurasia’s Official Visit to Armenia: A Summary
From June 8th to June 16th, 2024, SpecialEurasia conducted an official visit to Armenia as part of the research and editorial project, Kavkaz Files ISSN 2975-0474. This visit followed a previous one in October 2022, allowing the team to assess the substantial changes in Armenia’s foreign policy, economy, and societal dynamics.
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Georgia: Security Risk Assessment After Islamic State Suspects Arrested in Batumi
The security landscape of Georgia has experienced notable developments, particularly concerning the threat of terrorism. The recent detention in the city of Batumi of suspected terrorists linked to the Islamic State and the implementation of stringent anti-terrorism measures, highlight the country’s proactive stance.
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United States-Armenia Relations and Regional Dynamics: Report from Yerevan
This report, written during SpecialEurasia’s visit to Yerevan, examines the recent diplomatic engagements between the United States and Armenia, contextualised within the broader geopolitical dynamics of the South Caucasus.
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Georgia: Geopolitical Risk Report
The adoption of the ‘foreign agents law’ by the government, the unresolved territorial disputes, particularly in Abkhazia and South Ossetia, a contentious relationship with Russia, and the challenging economic conditions have amplified Georgia’s geopolitical risk in recent months.
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Security Risk Assessment Report: Protests in Armenia
Large-scale demonstrations in Yerevan, Armenia, highlight simmering public discontent with the government’s decision to demarcate the border with Azerbaijan. This report analyses the security risks associated with these events, considering geopolitical implications and domestic stability concerns.
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Geopolitical Report: Kavkaz Investment Forum and the Future of the North Caucasus
The upcoming Kavkaz Investment Forum in Chechnya presents an opportunity to highlight the economic potential of the North Caucasus region. Recent years have seen robust socio-economic growth, but challenges remain, including over-reliance on tourism and external geopolitical pressures.
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Intelligence Report: The Ingush Jamaat and the Islamic State Wilayat Kavkaz
The resurgence of Islamist radical activity in the North Caucasus region, particularly attributed to the Ingush Jamaat of the Islamic State Wilayat Kavkaz, poses a significant threat to regional stability and security.
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Azerbaijani Volunteer Fighters in Ukraine
The Russian-Ukrainian conflict, which began in 2022, attracted the attention of volunteers from all over the post-Soviet space interested in supporting Kyiv in the fight against Russian forces. Among these volunteers, there are also Azerbaijani fighters who have sided with Ukrainian forces against the Russian armed forces.
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Counter-Terrorism Operation in Ingushetia: A Risk Assessment
FSB special forces’ counter-terrorism operation in Ingushetia stressed Russia’s readiness and strategy to counter the terrorist threat and jihadist propaganda’s impact in those regions as the North Caucasus mainly inhabited by Muslims.
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Human Rights and Armenians’ Fate in Nagorno-Karabakh: A Conversation with Maggie Arutyunyan and Narine Vlasyan of CFTJ
SpecialEurasia had a conversation with Maggie Arutyunyan, Esq., who serves as a member of the Board of Directors at the US-based Center for Truth and Justice (CFTJ), along with Narine Vlasyan, Project Coordinator. The purpose of the discussion is to gain a deeper understanding of the recent events in the Republic of Nagorno-Karabakh/Artsakh and attempt to anticipate potential future developments.
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Azerbaijan’s Suspended Engagement With PACE: A Geopolitical Scenario
The Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) has decided not to ratify the credentials of the Azerbaijani delegation, citing concerns about the country’s failure to fulfil major commitments related to democratic processes, human rights, and the Nagorno-Karabakh situation. Azerbaijan has subsequently suspended its cooperation with PACE.
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The Geopolitical Implications of UAE-Dagestan Collaboration in Education
Dagestan State Pedagogical University (DSPU) and Mohammed bin Zayed University of Humanities in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) recently entered into a cooperative agreement, primarily focusing on student and teacher exchanges and collaborations in education. This development underscores Abu Dhabi’s foreign policy interests in the North Caucasus, especially given the Emirati embassy’s cultural initiatives in Dagestan.
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North Caucasus’ Economic Performance in 2023: An Overview
While the North Caucasus Federal District demonstrates resilience, potential risks include external geopolitical influences and the need for sustained economic stability. The region’s dependency on tourism growth demands careful management to avoid overreliance on a single sector. Additionally, monitoring external pressures on the Russian economy remains crucial for sustained development.
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Geopolitics of the North Caucasus: An Analysis of Local Ethnic Minorities and Indigenous Peoples
In this paper published in Geopolitical Report ISSN 2532-845X Vol. 4 Year 2023, the author Giuliano Bifolchi delves into the multifaceted approach undertaken by the Russian government in managing the diverse ethnic groups and indigenous people residing in the North Caucasus.
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Islam in Abkhazia: an Interview with Nar Taniya
The analysis of the role of Islam in Abkhazia thanks to the meeting with Nar Taniya in Sukhum allows the understanding of the country’s modern society and culture and, in addition, relations between Sukhum and the Arab-Muslim world.
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Review of the book “La Guerra per il Nagorno Karabakh” written by Emanuele Aliprandi
SpecialEurasia reviewed the book “La Guerra per il Nagorno Karabakh” written by Emanuele Aliprandi. In the book, the author explored the situation in the South Caucasus, especially the last years of conflict/confrontation between Armenia and Azerbaijan over the Nagorno-Karabakh/Artsakh and the Armenian population’s struggle for peace.
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Imarat Kavkaz’s Supporter Arrested in Ingushetia: Is the Caucasus Emirate Still a Threat in the North Caucasus?
The recent arrest of a 23-year-old individual in Ingushetia, implicated in supporting online Imarat Kavkaz, underscores the persistent threat posed by this terrorist organisation in the North Caucasus region. While empirical evidence suggests a strong diminished operational capacity on the ground, the organisation’s propaganda remains a potent force capable of influencing local sentiments.
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Nagorno-Karabakh and the Armenian Cultural Diplomacy in Italy
This report wants to contextualise the impact and importance for Armenia that cultural events such a photographic exhibition can have in Italy, a country which in the last years has developed a strong commercial partnership and connection with Azerbaijan and has demonstrated less attention and interests to the Yerevan and Stepanakert’s position about the Nagorno-Karabakh while has privileged Baku’s narrative.
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North Caucasus Today Between Ethnic Minorities, Indigenous People and Economic Development: An Interview with Mussa Ekzekov
In July 2023 SpecialEurasia delved into the key aspect by visiting Cherkessk in the Republic of Karachay-Cherkessia within the North Caucasus Federal District. The occasion was the Forum of Indigenous Peoples of the Russian Federation, where our team could discuss with Mussa Khabalevich Ekzekov valuable insights into the dynamics of the North Caucasus focusing on ethnic minorities, indigenous people, and local socioeconomic developments.
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ANIF, Investment Opportunities in Armenia, and the United Arab Emirates
In October 2022, during SpecialEurasia’s official visit to Yerevan, we discussed with the representatives of the Armenian National Interest Fund (ANIF) the country’s investment opportunities and economic situation. After a year of monitoring the Armenian economic performance and investment market, in this report, we would like to stress ANIF’s role in promoting FDIs connected to the Armenian economic market and establishing a linking with United Arab Emirates.
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The Makhachkala Airport Protest, the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict, and Russia: Risk Assessment
The Makhachkala Airport protest in the Republic of Dagestan accentuated the impact of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict in the Muslim umma (community) in the Russian Federation and the Kremlin’s necessity to manage potential tensions coming from the coexistence of different religious groups inside the country.
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How Dagestan-Uzbekistan Economic Cooperation Might Support Russia’s Presence in Central Asia
The opening of trading houses between Dagestan and Uzbekistan confirmed Makhachkala’s role in promoting its business in Central Asia and, therefore, supporting the Russian presence in this strategic market. Since the beginning of the Ukraine conflict, the North Caucasus has played a significant role in promoting the Kremlin’s economic and political presence in Russia’s blizhnee zarubezhe.
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Armenia-Azerbaijan: Iran’s Rising Mediation Role in the South Caucasus
The diplomatic meeting held in Tehran stressed that Iran has emerged as a key actor in supporting the peace process regarding confrontation over Nagorno-Karabakh in the South Caucasus. It also indicated a possible shift of geopoltical influence from Europe towards East regarding the region.
