Russia is not interested in regulating the conflict in the Caucasus
By Messenger Staff
Tuesday, June 29
Well-known American analyst of Post-Soviet issues Stephen Larrabee challenges the opinion that US interest in the CIS has decreased since the Obama administration came to power. Rather, he thinks the contrary is true. He maintains that it is in Azerbaijan's long term interest to come closer to the West in the economic and energy spheres and cites the NABUCCO project as a good example of this movement. The Western orientation of Azerbaijan should not hinder Azeri bilateral relations with Russia, he says.
Larrabee also thinks that the US and Europe should be more active in conflict resolution in the South Caucasus. He thinks Moscow should contribute to this, as it has huge economic and political influence on Armenia, but until now The Kremlin has not fully utilised this potential.
Larrabee thinks that Russia is not much interested in regulating the conflict as this would decrease its influence in the region. Moscow is interested in maintaining the present situation but without an escalation of military confrontation, which would eventually inflame Russia’s North Caucasus.
Larrabee also thinks that the US and Europe should be more active in conflict resolution in the South Caucasus. He thinks Moscow should contribute to this, as it has huge economic and political influence on Armenia, but until now The Kremlin has not fully utilised this potential.
Larrabee thinks that Russia is not much interested in regulating the conflict as this would decrease its influence in the region. Moscow is interested in maintaining the present situation but without an escalation of military confrontation, which would eventually inflame Russia’s North Caucasus.