The geopolitical role of South Caucasus is of unique importance for its potential and geostrategic position. This region enjoys a special value as a source of energy and for a favorable geopolitical position in the transportation of the Caspian energy resources to Europe. 

Caspian Sea is located in the centre of Eurasia. Taking control on this sea means to influence Middle Asia, deep inside Russia, Iran and South Caucasus at the same time. This is why this region can be considered “foothold” of Eurasia.  

In the new geopolitical reality there is no unique security system in Caucasus. First of all, acute conflict hotbeds in South Caucasus, particularly the Armenian-Azerbaijani, Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, which the Republic of Azerbaijan, a leading participant of the Caucasian regional security system, has been involved in unfairly, are the main obstacles to this system. Another factor is the US and Russia that take initiative for creation of the security system in the region, but are insincere despite specific suggestions and models.  

Certainly, changes ongoing in South Caucasus, new geopolitical factors do not pass by the Republic of Azerbaijan, a leading state in the region. Azerbaijan is a favorable space from the geopolitical and geostrategic standpoints. Transnational projects implemented in South Caucasus and necessity of Azerbaijan here raise an economic power of our country and play a significant role in increasing its international influence. Azerbaijan is accepted as a country with enough potential and tourism opportunities in the regional projects accomplished so far and also the transnational projects to be performed. Words R.Matzke, Co-Chairman of US-Azerbaijani Chamber of Commerce, Chevron Vice Chairman, said about Azerbaijan’s geopolitical position confirms this thesis twice: “Azerbaijan is a commercial and strategic way to Eurasia.”  

Of course, global projects on the development of the region’s hydrocarbon resources cannot be imagined without Azerbaijan. Azerbaijan is irreplaceable not only because it manufactures, but also because it is energy, transit corridor delivering own and Middle Asian republics’ products to Europe. As President Ilham Aliyev said, Azerbaijan is already a huge regional factor. The factor of stability, security and development.     

Naila Mammadova,
“Azerbaijan Realities”