1st Edition
Reassessing Security in the South Caucasus Regional Conflicts and Transformation
Lying on the periphery of Europe, Russia, Turkey and Iran, and also being of interest to the United States, the South Caucasus is receiving growing attention among decision-makers and scholars of international relations. From a European perspective, the region is now forming a neighbouring area at the border of the Black Sea, as well as a corridor of oil and gas imports whose stability has become part of European security itself. As such, this volume reassesses security in the South Caucasus. It makes it possible to update analysis on security interests, perceptions and policies at national, regional and international levels through cross-national studies. Aimed at highlighting long-term defence and security trends in the region, contributors re-examine their relevance and enduring impact. They also identify changing dynamics under recent geopolitical and political developments in and around the region such as: the enlargements of NATO, the August 2008 Russia-Georgia war, the creation of the EU Eastern Partnership or Presidential elections. One of this volume's distinct contributions is that chapters have been written by experts from inside and around the region, i.e. Armenia, Georgia, Russia and Turkey, with other important contributions provided by authors from France and Canada having extensive experience in the area. Students and scholars of post-Soviet states, Eurasian geopolitics and European Security will find this volume enlightening.
Biography
Annie Jafalian, Université Jean Moulin - CLESID, France
'This volume, edited by Ms Jafalian, with contributions by experts from a variety of countries is currently probably the very best book on security and its perceptions in the South Caucasus.' Gérard Chaliand, Strategist, author of The Art of War in World History 'The interplay of local conflicts with the strategies of regional powers in the South Caucasus was dramatically confirmed by the Russia-Georgia war in 2008. This broad-ranging, timely volume offers scholars of European security and the post-Soviet states a valuable reappraisal of how the risks of security trends in the South Caucasus are balanced by opportunities for wider international cooperation.' Roy Allison, London School of Economics, UK 'The volume offers a wealth of up-to-date and insightful regional views on security in the South Caucasus. As such, it is invaluable for policy-makers, experts and academics interested in the subject.' International Affairs 'Jafalian’s edited volume is currently one of the most complete and comprehensive contributions to understanding contemporary South Caucasus dynamics. The book presents a series of short essays, which are easily readable, and is a good source of first-hand information for those looking to become familiarised with or update information on the South Caucasus. The authors have extensive knowledge of the region, having been engaged in political analysis for the most part of the last 20 years of independence of Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia, with backgrounds ranging from policy makers, activists and researchers from the Caucasus and neighbouring countries, to established scholars... the volume offers a valuable contribution to the slim academic literature on the South Caucasus, providing first-hand information, which will undoubtedly be referred to by scholars and practitioners dealing with the region.' Europe-Asia Studies 'Reassessing Security in the South Caucasus: Regional Conflicts and Transformation edited by Annie Jafalian is a unique vo
