The South Caucasus is increasingly being viewed not only through the lens of past conflicts but also as a strategic bridge linking Europe, the Caspian region and Central Asia. One analyst says this presents an opportunity for a new Euro-Atlantic approach focused on long-term regional cooperation.
Political analyst Ahmad Alili argues that lasting stability in the South Caucasus cannot depend solely on peace agreements or external mediation. Instead, he says, it requires stronger institutions, shared economic interests and practical links between countries that have often been treated separately.
"The recent developments that took place in the South Caucasus require a new strategy for the transatlantic community to engage with the South Caucasus and Central Asia. We believe this shift should be from peacebuilding to region-building," Alili said.
He explained that peacebuilding often focuses on addressing the immediate symptoms of conflict, whereas region-building aims to create the conditions for deeper integration.
"By region-building, we mean developing institutions and creating conditions in which the region can be integrated. These countries should be approached as one unified, comprehensive region, with mechanisms that allow them to engage with each other as peers and build common defence, economic and other forms of cooperation," he added.
Alili also argues that the South Caucasus and Central Asia should be understood as part of a broader strategic space, where transport routes, energy corridors and access to international markets are creating increasing interdependence.
"There is a certain phase in their historical development when they need each other, because without the South Caucasus, Central Asia cannot reach European and international markets. Their sovereignty will be restricted if they do not have alternative access to world markets," he said.
At the same time, he stressed that Azerbaijan, Georgia and Armenia should be integrated within a single regional framework while also strengthening cooperation with Central Asian states.
"Working together within the South Caucasus can increase their visibility and importance in the transatlantic community. As a result, we can have a comprehensive region that may be called the greater Caspian region," Alili noted.
Alili suggested that a more integrated "greater Caspian region" could become a source of new ideas, innovation and sustainable growth.
"This greater Caspian region can be a source of new ideas, innovative development and technologies. It can help the countries in the region become more sustainable in terms of development, conflict resolution and many other aspects," he said.
The discussion reflects a wider debate over the future of connectivity across Eurasia, as transport, energy and trade routes through the South Caucasus gain renewed strategic importance.
For Alili, the region's next chapter depends not only on maintaining peace but also on building the institutions, partnerships and practical mechanisms needed to sustain long-term cooperation.
As global attention increasingly turns towards alternative trade corridors and energy routes, the South Caucasus is being seen as a key link between Europe, the Caspian basin and Central Asia.
Russian strikes on Ukraine overnight killed at least two people and injured 15 others, including two children, Ukrainian authorities said.&nbs...
Saudi Aramco has ordered staff to evacuate its headquarters amid escalating Houthi attacks on the kingdom. Two people were killed in an attack on D...
Nigeria's first Ebola case in more than a decade may be linked to travel in Uganda, Swiss authorities said on Thursday, although the source of ...
Russia is willing in principle to resume peace talks with Ukraine and the United States in November, Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov said after President Vladimir Putin met U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff in St Petersburg.
Saudi Aramco has ordered staff to evacuate its headquarters amid escalating Houthi attacks on the kingdom. Two people were killed in an attack on Dammam airport, while Iran's IRGC Navy claimed strikes on seven vessels and warned the U.S. of a wider response.
Russian strikes on Ukraine overnight killed at least two people and injured 15 others, including two children, Ukrainian authorities said. Meanwhile, Russia said it had intercepted the vast majority of 630 Ukrainian drones launched towards Moscow.
Yemen's Houthis have denied targeting the holy city of Medina on Wednesday adding that they have not conducted any military operations towards Saudi Arabia either, denying earlier comments from the Saudi-led coalition in Yemen.
Georgia’s Constitutional Court in Batumi will on Wednesday hear a lawsuit seeking to ban five Georgian opposition parties, four of which collectively gained 784,820 votes (37.79 per cent) in the country’s last national elections in 2024.
Saudi Aramco has ordered staff to evacuate its headquarters amid escalating Houthi attacks on the kingdom. Two people were killed in an attack on Dammam airport, while Iran's IRGC Navy claimed strikes on seven vessels and warned the U.S. of a wider response.
Kazakhstan is preparing sweeping military reforms after 14 service members died during exercises in the Caspian Sea. President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev approved the plans on 21 October, with major changes to training, oversight and defence capabilities set to begin in 2027.
Iranian officials have stepped up warnings of retaliation amid the threat of renewed U.S.-Israeli strikes, while signalling that a diplomatic solution remains possible if Washington demonstrates a sincere commitment to rebuilding trust.
Investing in children means more than funding schools and hospitals. At a major international summit in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, leaders and experts called for a joined-up approach to healthcare, education and social protection to improve children's lives.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan have unveiled a strategic partnership to deepen trade, defence and energy ties, marking a major step in relations between the two NATO allies.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment