The problem of communication routes and security trends in the South Caucasus: the Armenian perspective

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to examine the role of new communication routes in developing security trends in the South Caucasus with a special emphasis on the reasons of Armenia’s dropping out from these geopolitically important projects and future perspectives. The topic is essential due to the notion that the obsession of geopolitically important routes (both energy and trade) will contribute to the economic growth, hence to the military capacity of the ‘game’ parties. To be more precise, this particular research will focus on the following matters: First of all, as many post Cold War security studies have focused on relationships between economics and security, this particular research will also be concentrated on this type of a relationship having transportation routes in the region as a form of a serious contributor to regional economies. However, beyond the simple numbers, it will be made an attempt to see the challenges of economic growth (for example, lack of democratic institutions, nationalistic aspirations) for regional actors. This approach will be quite useful in order not to draw over generalized threat implications for Armenia. Moreover, this study will not only focus on the implications of supposed geopolitical shifts, but also try to find options for Armenia to have its sound place in the regional environment.