A Failed Comeback? Understanding Iranian Policies in the South Caucasus

Abstract:

This paper examines the evolution of Iran’s foreign policy toward the three South Caucasian republics since 2010 until today. Focusing on a topic that has remained on the margins of scholarly interest, this article identifies and tracks a number of key issues relating to Tehran’s policy toward Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Georgia. These issues include limited and rather bilateral cooperation on the Caspian oil and natural gas transit; Iran’s interference in Azerbaijan’s internal affairs; the issue of Iranian Azerbaijan in the relationship between Baku and Tehran; Iran’s relationship with Armenia over energy, transportation, and economic cooperation; and Iran’s predominantly economic relationship with Georgia. The article concludes that Iran has profiled itself as an important, yet rather cautious actor in the South Caucasus, which has reduced its clout to the north-west of its borders.