The Caucasus region is an essential geopolitical space. It links Europe to Asia while connecting NATO to Russia’s sphere of influence. Its diverse natural landscape has produced both an active history and contemporary relevance.
The Caucasus should no longer be seen solely as a battleground between Russia and the West; it has increasingly become interlinked with its neighbors from Persian Gulf and Mediterranean regions.
It is a bridge between Europe and Asia
The Caucasus Mountains form an ancient barrier between Europe and Asia in an area called Eurasia. Their two ranges, Greater and Lesser Caucasus, feature beautiful peaks like Mount Elbrus – Europe’s highest point at 18,510 feet (5,642 meters). Their name, though Greek in origin, also contains elements of geography: “kaukas” means mountain while “os” is cross or passageway – these mountain ranges have long served as historical barriers between seas while acting as cultural conduits between Europe and Asia.
This region encompasses Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia as well as former Soviet republics Dagestan and Chechnya. Despite being geographically isolated, its culture is remarkable diverse – its linguistic diversity ranks second only to New Guinea while there are at least 50 ethnic groups living here – and has an array of religious beliefs spanning Islam to Neopaganism and Christianity among its residents.
An initial glance of the Caucasus might suggest simple borders separate its regions, but in reality this region’s geography is much more intricate. Crossing from Georgia to Chechnya requires traversing high mountain passes open only part of the year or using one of several strategic tunnels – creating an extremely difficult path that has kept different groups isolated for millennia.
South Caucasus countries have diversified their economic and foreign policy strategies in an attempt to lessen Russia’s dominance while taking advantage of Europe’s rising energy demands. These changes have made the region attractive for outside investment, particularly from China which is looking at numerous infrastructure projects across the region. The United States plays an essential role in maintaining stability throughout the region, supporting democratic governance efforts of its neighbors while at the same time protecting energy supplies and security from Russian coercion – something especially critical in South Caucasus nations that import, transit and export energy sources – this being particularly significant when looking at Azerbaijan-Georgia-Turkey as the potential counterweight against Moscow’s influence over that part of Eurasia.
It is a transit point for oil
The Caucasus region serves as an essential transit hub for oil, moving from Russia through Georgia and Azerbaijan into Europe and the Middle East. Yet several challenges make operating in this area unnerving for international energy companies: low trust between local authorities and their citizens and international companies as well as instability/insurgency risks are among many concerns that must be considered when working here.
Tense relations among regional leaders have contributed to tension and stagnation on security matters in the Caucasus. But with Armenia-Azerbaijan gas dispute at hand, there has been renewed emphasis on rebuilding regional transit infrastructure – giving an opportunity for countries in Caucasus region to forge economic and political ties with key world centers.
At various points in history, this region has been at the epicenter of multiple conflicts. Conquered by Ottoman Turkey, Turkic-Mongol khanates and local kingdoms and khanates; then exploited by Russia through Ivan IV to Catherine the Great’s effective politics of dominance; finally controlled and expanded upon by Soviet Russia after World War II.
Geographic isolation has also fostered cultural diversity within the Caucasus. Home to four major ethno-linguistic groups and fifty or so different languages, Russian remains the lingua franca of choice due to Russia’s longstanding influence.
While the West is shifting its approach towards this region, Russia will likely remain its predominant power for now. Yet a growing number of Caucasian states have begun looking for alternatives to Russian energy supplies since Ukraine’s conflict. This trend has only intensified over time.
China is actively exploring various opportunities in the Caucasus, such as port development on the Black Sea and road and rail projects in all three South Caucasian states as part of its Belt and Road Initiative. Beijing hopes these investments will give Beijing greater leverage in the region; however, local leaders may remain suspicious about China’s intentions and it may take time for Beijing’s investment plans to prove their effectiveness.
It is a gateway to the Middle East
The Caucasus Region serves as an entryway into the Middle East and its stability is of critical importance to global security. The US has extensive security interests there, as do other nations. Unfortunately, however, some of the most dangerous terrorist groups including ISIS/ISIL operate here; furthermore it serves as a major hub for drug trafficking operations and also contains vast natural resources such as oil and natural gas reserves.
The Caucasian range is one of the world’s most impressive and inaccessible mountain systems. According to Greek mythology, Prometheus chained himself there after giving mankind fire in exchange for being fed by an eagle as part of his punishment. Later it served as a major land route for spreading Middle Eastern Fertile Crescent civilizations.
Modern Southeast Asia has become a flashpoint of ethnic conflict and religious violence, spreading throughout its nations. Due to this tension between regional and international organizations, which has led to a security vacuum.
Though the Caucasus region remains divided and contentious, it nevertheless provides significant economic development and investment opportunities. Russia and Turkey have both attempted to increase their influence in this part of Europe; whether their efforts succeed will depend on how energy markets evolve as well as changing geopolitical power dynamics.
Caucasus countries boast diverse economies, from agriculture and tourism to heavy industry and energy production. Furthermore, several international corporations are eager to establish presence there due to its proximity to Middle East, Europe and Asia.
The Caucasus is an incredible region with an incredible diversity of cultures and languages, comprising over 50 ethnic groups and three different language families, mostly comprised of Shia Muslims, Sunnis Muslim or Eastern Orthodox Christians as inhabitants. Additionally, this area is widely recognized for being an internationally significant biodiversity hotspot, boasting more than 6,500 plant species that cannot be found elsewhere on Earth.
It is a source of conflict
The Caucasus Region (or “Big Caucasus”) has long been one of the most troubled parts of Eurasia. Dating back centuries, centuries of violent conflict plagued this area until after Soviet times when Russian soldiers no longer wielded power over it; locals struggled to adjust as Russia no longer wielded control over it and legacy violence caused lasting scars to remain.
Caucasus conflicts often extend far beyond national borders and have global effects, resonating through to other regions like the Middle East. When large powers are involved, such conflicts can escalate quickly into conflict; it is thus essential that we keep them in mind.
After the fall of the Soviet Union, the Caucasus once more became a source of regional conflict. New nations struggled to assert their territorial definitions against one another in an ongoing power vacuum, leading to bloodshed between Dagestan, Chechnya, North and South Ossetia, Ingushetia Kabardino-Balkaria and Karachay-Cherkessia similar to what had characterized times under Tsars.
Conflicts in Abkhazia and South Ossetia have mostly subsided, yet tensions between Russia and Georgia continue to flare due to international recognition for two de facto states in this region: Abkhazia and South Ossetia as well as their dispute over Nagorno-Karabakh.
Russia and Georgia’s conflict isn’t limited to just the Caucasus region; rather it represents a proxy war over control of the Black Sea. This issue is of immense strategic significance since Caucasus serves as an important hub for oil exports between European and Asian markets and holds abundant natural resources that make up this key strategic juncture. Foreign powers see this strategic location as an opportunity for manipulation.
Conflict in the Caucasus is an essential factor to global energy security and stability of world economies. Resolving disputes here is of utmost importance due to their growing influence from nonregional actors.