Transnational Security of South Caucasus

Abstract

Despite of occupying a comparatively small territory, The South Caucasus exhibit a bizarre cultural, religious, linguistic, ethnical diversity. The region is squeezed between Caspian and Black Seas, comprising the states of Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia. Region has considerable interest from the global players of international politics since it occupies a key strategic location and frames a bridge between Asia and Europe through linking the Caspian Sea and Central Asia with the Black Sea and Western Europe. Furthermore, South Caucasus is an important transport and energy corridor, notably as a hydrocarbons transit route from Caspian Sea region to international markets.
This paper examines general view of security architecture in South Caucasus with the aim of emphasizing most prominent security challenges and threats. It also assesses the transnational security challenges that the region faces, demonstrating the lack of regional cooperation and considers the potential for cooperation in the future. The central research question here is what are the most prominent transnational threats for the region and how can these threats be addressed? Is there enough individual effort for South Caucasian States to eliminate the threats or a basis for broader cooperation and efforts to collective security should be formed?