Abkhazia’s Relations with Germany: An Interview with 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.
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.
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.
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.
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…
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.
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…
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.
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.
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
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…
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.
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.
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.
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.

Tag: Caucasus